TACTICAL ANALYSIS;Algeria Vs Uganda
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Reading Time: 5min | Thu. 16.10.25. | 07:25
In a match where the stakes were high, Algeria staged a dramatic comeback to win 2-1, overturning an early deficit through disciplined tactical evolution and late-game pressure
The World Cup Qualifier clash between Algeria and Uganda delivered an enthralling tactical contest marked by contrasting styles, individual brilliance, and strategic adaptability.
In a match where the stakes were high, Algeria staged a dramatic comeback to win 2-1, overturning an early deficit through disciplined tactical evolution and late-game pressure.
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Uganda Strike Early, Algeria Dominate Possession
Algeria, underpinned by a 2-4-4 build-up structure in the early stages of the match, approached the game with attacking intent.
Making headlines was Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, starting in goal on his international debut.
Ahead of him, a fluid backline featured the marauding fullbacks Rafik Belghali on the right and Jaouen Hadjam on the left, flanking the centre-back pairing of Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini.
The double pivot of Hicham Bouadoui and Zorgane Adem operated deep, tasked with progressing play while protecting transitions.
Mohammed Amoura, their tournament's standout, roamed the left half-space, often dropping into midfield to link play.
Ibrahim Maza did so situationally. Riyad Mahrez occupied the right half-space, often interchanging with Belghali’s overlapping runs, while Amine Gouiri led the line centrally.
Uganda’s shape, in contrast, was compact and disciplined.
Salim Magoola guarded the goal behind a back four of Toby Sibbick , Aziz Kayondo , and central defenders Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita.
In midfield, Aucho Khalid and Kenneth Semakula alternated between shielding the defense and linking up with Allan Okello, the attacking midfielder operating between the lines.
Wide threats came from Jude Ssemugabi and Mato Rodgers , with Steven Mukwala as the lone striker.
The early exchanges saw Algeria dominate the ball, but Uganda pressed with intensity.
In the sixth minute, Uganda capitalized on a defensive lapse - Semakula’s aggressive press forced a turnover from Bouadoui, who lost the ball in a dangerous area.
Mukwala, astutely positioned between Algeria's centre-backs, received the pass and slotted it past Zidane to give Uganda a surprise 1-0 lead.
Despite the setback, Algeria didn’t abandon their structure. Their fullbacks continued to push high, stretching Uganda horizontally.
Mahrez's delivery from a free-kick in the 10th minute was dangerous, but Uganda defended it resolutely.
Algeria swarmed the Ugandan box with numbers, but Uganda’s strategy of absorbing pressure and springing counters proved effective.
A prime example came in the 12th minute - Capradossi won the ball deep in their own half from Belghali, drove forward, and fed Okello, whose powerful shot forced a save from Zidane.
Uganda often bypassed midfield with long balls, aiming to exploit space behind Algeria's high line. This approach troubled the hosts, especially on transitions.
Algeria responded with creative wing play.
On the left, Amoura and Maza combined well, stretching Uganda’s defense and creating openings. In the 16th minute, a short corner routine led to Amoura’s volley being acrobatically saved by Magoola.
Again in the 20th, left-back Hadjam surged forward for a 1v1 with Magoola, who made a crucial tackle to deny him.
Uganda’s defensive structure was impressive - zonal marking near the posts, tight man-marking, and clever tactical fouls broke Algeria’s rhythm.
Kayondo and Rodgers effectively managed Algeria’s left-side overloads, maintaining defensive balance. In the 30th minute, Uganda nearly doubled their lead when Ssemugabi fired wide from a Semakula cross, with Mandi recovering just in time.
Set-pieces became a recurring theme.
Algeria earned five free-kicks around the box - all taken by Mahrez - but Uganda’s defensive discipline held firm.
One headed effort from the back post struck the upright, underscoring Algeria’s growing threat. Still, the first half ended with Uganda ahead 1-0.
Algerian Persistence Breaks Ugandan Resistance
The second half began with Algeria intensifying their pressure.
They maintained their attacking shape, with Maza dropping deeper to link midfield and attack. Fullbacks continued pushing forward to pin Uganda’s wingers deeper.
Uganda adapted into a 4-4-2 out-of-possession structure, pressing in phases while keeping their defensive line high to catch Algeria offside.
A golden opportunity for Algeria came in the 56th minute. Mahrez, combining with Belghali on the right, set up a low cross that reached Gouiri at the back post.
However, Gouiri, with the goal at his mercy, failed to convert - one of Algeria's clearest chances.
Algeria introduced fresh legs in the 66th minute, with Mehdi Dorval and Anis Hadj Moussa entering to energize Algeria's left flank.
Their impact was immediate, injecting pace and fluidity to the attacking phases.
Uganda, now primarily in a low block, relied on tactical fouls and injury stoppages to disrupt Algeria's momentum. One such instance was the substitution of Jude Ssemugabi for Denis Omedi in the 72nd minute.
Algeria’s relentless pressure finally paid off. In the 78th minute, chaos in Uganda's box saw Mukwala clumsily bring down Bensebaini.
The referee pointed to the spot. Amoura, calm and clinical, sent Magoola the wrong way to level the score 1-1 - his ninth goal in the qualifiers.
Just minutes later, more drama unfolded. In the 86th minute, Magoola came off his line attempting to punch clear a cross but collided with Gouiri.
The challenge, deemed dangerous, led to another penalty - and a severe injury for Magoola and Gouiri.
With the Ugandan keeper stretchered off, veteran Dennis Onyango came in cold.
Amoura stepped up once more.
With the poise of a seasoned striker, he slotted home his second of the night - this time in the 99th minute - to seal a dramatic 2-1 comeback win for Algeria.
Algeria's ability to sustain pressure, adapt in-game, and maintain positional structure ultimately overpowered Uganda’s valiant defensive effort.
Despite an early goal and disciplined defensive tactics, Uganda couldn’t withstand Algeria’s relentless waves of attack.
Credit goes to Uganda for their organization, pressing phases, and brave goalkeeping, but Algeria’s individual quality - especially from Mahrez, Amoura, and the dynamic fullbacks operating wide their flanks in attack - proved decisive.
A match of fine margins and high tactical quality, it offered a masterclass in in-game management, attacking persistence, and the ever-present drama of football.
