CHAN 2024: Uganda Cranes coach explains reasons for heavy defeat to Algeria
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 05.08.25. | 09:10
Byekwaso highlighted several key areas where the Cranes were second best and will have to work on before their Friday clash against Guinea
Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has offered a candid assessment of his team's heavy 3–0 defeat to Algeria in their opening CHAN match on Monday.
Without mincing his words, Byekwaso attributed the opening day's heavy loss to nerves, poor organisation, and failure to handle pressure on home soil.
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The Cranes struggled from the first whistle in their Group C clash, conceding three unanswered goals and failing to match the visitors’ intensity and tactical discipline.
“We came to fight, but we did not manage the pressure well,” Byekwaso said in an interview with CAF Media.
The tactician further lamented on their inability to contain the visitors.
“We lost our shape defensively, and Algeria punished us for it,” he added.
Ayoub Ghezala opened the scoring early with a header from a set piece, setting the tone for a difficult evening.
Further second-half strikes from Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid sealed the result as Uganda faltered under the weight of expectations.
According to the coach, the team’s mental state after the first half's opening goal played a major role in the defeat.
“We were anxious. After conceding, we could not settle, transition well, and we kept giving the ball away. Emotionally, we lost control,” he conceded.
Despite showing glimpses of attacking promise, Uganda failed to make their chances count and were frequently caught out by Algeria’s compact setup and clinical finishing.
Byekwaso highlighted several key areas where the Cranes were second best.
“We lacked midfield control, lost too many aerial duels despite our height advantage, and did not protect the ball under pressure,” he said.
With two group matches still to play, the coach remains optimistic but realistic.
“We have talent in this squad, no doubt. But we need to bounce back quickly, mentally and tactically. There is still time to turn things around, but we have to fix the basics: positioning, communication, and composure, ” he noted.
Uganda will face Guinea on Friday, in a match that could define their CHAN campaign. For Byekwaso and his players, there is no room left for error.
“We will regroup, talk honestly with the players, and aim for a better performance. This team still has something to prove,” he added.
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