By BM
Ugandans have expressed mixed reactions following the Uganda Cranes’ disappointing 3-0 loss to Algeria in the opening Group Stage match of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, held at Namboole Stadium last evening.
Co-hosting the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the Cranes had hoped to capitalize on home advantage. However, the atmosphere turned somber as the Desert Foxes of Algeria dominated the match with clinical precision, exposing Uganda’s longstanding struggles on the continental stage.
Match Summary: Algeria broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when captain Ayoub Ghezala pounced on a defensive lapse to put the visitors ahead. Despite attempts by the Cranes to rally in the second half, Algeria remained in control with superior ball possession and tactical organization.
Two late goals sealed Uganda’s fate. In the 76th minute, Abderrahmane Meziane Bentahar curled in a beautiful strike from the edge of the box, followed swiftly in the 79th by Sofiyan Bayazid, who calmly finished a counterattack to make it 3-0.
The result leaves Uganda at the bottom of their group and in urgent need of a win in their next fixture against Guinea, scheduled for four days from now, again at Namboole Stadium. The match is now seen as a do-or-die if Uganda is to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Public and Political Reactions: As disappointed fans quietly exited the stadium, a flurry of reactions hit social media. Criticism ranged from team selection and funding priorities to deeper questions about Uganda’s football development.
Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda sarcastically thanked Algeria for the defeat, suggesting that the UGX 1.2 billion pledged by President Museveni for every match won could instead fund more pressing needs like building a dam in Karamoja for clean water supply.
Veteran politician Dan Muliika weighed in, saying the loss reflects the urgent need to develop a national team over time.
“Let’s agree on one thing — Uganda Cranes is not the same as CHAN or AFCON the event,” Muliika stated. “It’s like investing in a wedding ceremony and forgetting the bride. The event might be superb, but the ‘mugole’ is 3-0.”
He also criticized Parliament’s token support of the national team while neglecting investment in grassroots football development and protection of public sports grounds.
Tadeo Ddamba, a Vision Group journalist and Vipers SC supporter, criticized the Speaker of Parliament for donating UGX 20 million to the Cranes while failing to support clubs like Mbale Heroes.
“Sustaining a Uganda Premier League club requires at least UGX 1 billion. Mbale Heroes got 500k. Vipers won the league and got UGX 70 million, yet will face continental clubs with budgets over UGX 1 billion,” he argued.
Journalist and fan **Denis Kato** took a different view, saying Uganda’s football problems stem from a limited talent pool.
“I don’t blame the government or FUFA. We simply lack talent. Let’s stop pretending.”
Some fans at the stadium also criticized the technical team’s player selections, accusing them of picking “short players” unable to physically compete with Algeria’s taller athletes.
Stadium Chaos and Security Concerns: The match was also marred by chaotic scenes at the stadium’s Eastern Gate. Security personnel from the UPDF clashed with unruly crowds attempting to force their way in without lining up, especially after kickoff had already begun. Soldiers used canes to restore order, sparking anger among some fans who vowed never to return to the stadium due to the harsh treatment.
Looking Ahead: As the Uganda Cranes regroup and prepare for their must-win clash against Guinea, questions continue to swirl about the team’s preparedness, funding priorities, and the broader state of football development in the country.
Whether this tournament will mark a turning point or simply add to Uganda’s list of continental disappointments remains to be seen. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
