August 4, 2025 – Ahead of CHAN 2024, Algeria’s head coach, Madjid Bougherra, has expressed full confidence in his team but acknowledged the challenge posed by the Uganda Cranes in their opening match. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Sunday at the Mandela National Stadium, Bougherra thanked the Ugandan people for their hospitality but stressed that his team is ready for a tough contest against the home side.
“I thank Uganda for the reception. The country is peaceful, and we are ready to face the Cranes,” said Bougherra. He recognized the special pressure of playing in front of a passionate home crowd but emphasized that Algeria is fully prepared for the task.
Importance of a Strong Start
Bougherra also highlighted the significance of winning the opening match in this high-stakes tournament: “We expect a tough game. Uganda will do everything to make their fans proud. Winning the first match puts you on the path as a championship contender,” he noted.
Despite the tension, the Algerian coach played down the pressure on his team. “We’ll take it game by game. This is a different competition, and every team starts as a favorite. Our goal is to go as far as possible, but the pressure is on Uganda as the home team, not us,” Bougherra concluded.
Group C’s Opening Game
Earlier on the same day, Niger and Guinea will face off in the opening match of Group C, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting start to CHAN 2024.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFLQNjHRKEo
With both teams eager to perform, fans can expect intense competition throughout the tournament as they strive for regional supremacy.
