By Daniel Muwonge
Uganda Cranes CHAN head coach Morley Byekwaso has urged his players to approach their CHAN 2024 opener against Algeria with a sharp mindset and fearless energy, as the tournament kicks off Monday night at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Speaking during the final pre-match press conference, Byekwaso emphasized that the team needs a strong start to navigate what he called “a group of death,” which includes Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger.
“We are home playing our first game and it’s very tricky,” he said. “The boys must have a serious mentality. We need to have a good start for us to be on the safe side.”
Byekwaso confirmed that the squad is fully fit, and he praised the players’ mental readiness ahead of the high-stakes clash under the Namboole floodlights.
“The good thing is we don’t have injuries, and every player is willing to play off their hearts in front of our fans,” he said.
This will be Uganda’s seventh CHAN appearance, and the Cranes are still chasing a first-ever trip beyond the group stage. Byekwaso made it clear that the time for excuses is over.
“There’s belief in the group. We’ve worked hard, we’re at home, and we have to use that to our advantage,” he stated.
The match against Algeria kicks off at 8:00 PM EAT.
