Byekwaso and Okello rally Uganda Cranes ahead of CHAN 2024 showdown with Algeria

The Uganda Cranes are set to begin their journey in the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with a much-anticipated opener against Algeria on Monday at 8:00 PM at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Backed by an expectant home crowd and driven by the hunger to break past group stage barriers for the first time in their CHAN history, the Cranes will be hoping to make a bold statement in their Group C opener — a repeat fixture of their 2011 clash with Algeria in Sudan, where they lost 2-0.

Byekwaso Confident But Cautious Ahead of Group of Death

Speaking at the team’s final pre-match media briefing, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso stressed the importance of starting strong in what he described as a very tough group.

“The boys must have a serious mentality; we are home playing our first game, and it’s very tricky. Our group is a group of death, but we need to have a good start for us to be on the safe side,” Byekwaso noted.

He was quick to highlight the team’s readiness, revealing that the entire squad is fit and mentally charged.

“The good thing is we don’t have injuries, and every player is willing to play off their hearts in front of our fans.”

Okello: “Every Player Wants to Make History”

Team captain Allan Okello, making his CHAN debut, underlined the spirit within the squad and the importance of shared leadership on the pitch.

“Being a leader is a blessing from God; however, on the pitch, everyone must be a leader to know what should be done,” Okello said.

“We are more than ready; we need to give it our best. Every player wants to make history for the first time, so everyone will give their best.”

Reflecting on their recent clash with Algeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Okello drew important lessons:

“We played them in the World Cup qualifiers and lost, but we learned from our mistakes, so there’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans, so we are prepared.”

A Call to Fill Namboole

The skipper also emphasized the role of fans in motivating the team throughout the tournament.

“You can get tired for some minutes, but when you hear voices behind you, you push on. So, we need fans to fill up Namboole tomorrow and in all the upcoming games; we can make history together.”

Their last meeting — a 2-1 victory for Algeria in World Cup qualifying — remains fresh in memory, with Travis Mutyaba scoring Uganda’s consolation.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad – CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers:

Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders:

Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
Gideon Odong (NEC FC)
Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)

Midfielders:

Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC)
Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
Allan Okello (KCCA FC)
Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

Forwards:

Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)
Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)
Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)