CHAN 2024: Uganda’s Byekwaso optimistic despite ‘tight’ group

Uganda Cranes coach Morley Byekwaso has shared a measured but optimistic reaction to the recently released Total Energies CHAN 2024 fixtures, describing Uganda’s group as “tight” but surmountable with the right mindset and preparation.

Byekwaso, who was appointed to the Cranes technical bench alongside Vipers SC’s Fred Muhumuza, believes the team can make history by advancing past the group stage for the first time in CHAN history—especially with Uganda co-hosting the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania from 2nd to 28th August 2025.

The Cranes are in group C along Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger.

“Our group is not an easy one, it’s tight,” Byekwaso admitted. “But with proper preparations, determination, and the added motivation of playing at home, we can give ourselves a real chance to go past the group stage for the very first time.”

Uganda’s campaign will kick off with a stern test against North African powerhouses Algeria on 4th August at Namboole stadium, a fixture Byekwaso has urged the team to treat with the utmost seriousness.

“We must take every match seriously, starting with the first one against Algeria. How we begin can set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The boys need to understand the magnitude of this opportunity.”

The Cranes began their CHAN 2024 preparations last week and after a scheduled rest day on Sunday, resumed training this morning at the Luzira Prison Grounds. Byekwaso emphasized that the technical team is using every session to instill discipline, tactical awareness, and the fighting spirit needed to compete on home soil.

With the tournament fast approaching, Ugandan fans will be hoping Byekwaso’s optimism, combined with home advantage and quality preparation, can push the Cranes to achieve what has eluded them in past editions progression to the knockout stage