Kampala, Uganda – Tonight, the Mandela National Stadium go dey burst as Uganda Cranes prepare to take on Algeria for the opening match of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024. Head coach Morley Byekwaso dey bring the heat, saying the team go draw strength from their home fans. E be like naija party (everybody knows sey na family for home).
Uganda don qualify for dis tournament seven times in a row, but e go make sense if dem fit finally break their group stage curse. According to Byekwaso, ‘Playing in front of our supporters gives us confidence and we are determined not to let them down.’ Talk true! Who no like better support? If dem fit tap into that vibe, anything fit happen tonight!
Algeria, dem no dey sleep o! The Desert Foxes arrive with serious pedigree, fresh from their runner-up position in CHAN 2022. Coach Madjid Bougherra get confident, saying, ‘The pressure is on Uganda as hosts, but we are also here to compete at the highest level.’ Omo, that na war declaration! The last time both teams meet, Algeria knack Uganda 2-0. E no too sweet.
Uganda’s record in opening matches no too dey shine. Dem don get one win, two losses, and three draws since 2011. E be like dem need small charm to change di luck for dis one. Captain Allan Okello, wey sabi ball well well, don talk say, ‘We want to play as a team and show our commitment.’ E don set im mind, and we go just dey watch if dem go deliver.
With local stars like Travis Mutyaba wey dey shine like new penny and Gift Fred for center-back, dem get firepower to disturb Algeria. Former goalkeeper Dennis Onyango dey assist for di coaching side, adding experience to di team (he sabi how dem fit carry di team). E get time wey experience go count for major moments, trust me!
On the flip side, Algeria dey come correct with their own stars like top scorer Aimen Mahious. E no go easy for Uganda because dis Algerian squad dey mingle solid defense with sharp attack, wey dey ready to scatter. Midfielder Ayoub Ghezzala don shout am clearly: ‘We came to this competition to approach every match with seriousness.’ Na that serious matter e dey!
As tension dey rise for Mandela Stadium, dem fans go dey expect fireworks from both sides. Algeria no get plenty losses in CHAN last editions, and if Uganda wan do dem like movie tonight, dem must play sharp. The match go determine how dis group go dey set, ‘cause only two teams fit progress.
UBd message to the Ugandan players: Dis na di time to show your skills! Fans dey expect plenty commitments as dem watch from the stands. Uganda go attempt to snap dis group stage jinx, while Algeria go wan show sey dem fit still flex muscle. E go be interesting match, no shaking! All eyes on Kampala as Africa dey hold their breath!
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
