Two games are on the menu today at the Totalenergies 2024 Africa Nations championship, that will see four teams (Niger vs Guinea and Uganda vs Algeria) battle to get an advantage in a hotly contested group C.
Teams’ background
2022 hosts and finalists Algeria kick start their campaign against this year’s co-hosts and record 7th time participants Uganda.
The last time the home-based Uganda Cranes met Algeria in this tournament was in the group stage of the 2011 edition, with Algeria getting a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Djabou ans Soudani. Uganda ended bottom of group A while Algeria advanced to finish fourth best overall team in the competition.
Key players to watch
Ugandan Stars Shine Bright in CHAN
Yunus Sentamu
Two Ugandan footballers are set to make a mark in the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Yunus Sentamu, a forward for Vipers SC, is returning to the tournament with a decade of experience under his belt. In the 2014 CHAN edition, Sentamu was a teenage sensation, scoring all three of Uganda’s goals, including a brilliant brace against Burkina Faso and a consolation goal against Morocco. Now, as a matured leader, Sentamu is expected to lead the charge for Uganda.
Marvin Joseph
Youngman, a midfielder for Vipers SC, is also part of Uganda’s CHAN squad. Youngman impressed in the 2022 edition, playing solidly against DR Congo and Senegal. His calm demeanor under pressure and smart transitions will be crucial for Uganda’s success in the tournament.
Algerian Star Aymen Mahious
Aymen Mahious is a key player for Algeria’s local national team. The forward’s experience and goal-scoring instinct make him a central pillar in Algeria’s starting lineup. Mahious shone in the last CHAN edition, leading his team to the final, where they narrowly lost to Senegal in a penalty shootout. Despite missing the last penalty kick, Mahious’s skills and determination will be crucial for Algeria’s success in the tournament.
Abderrahmane Meziane
Aymen Mahious’ clubmate Abderrahmane Meziane who played an outstanding role in Algeria’s run to the 2022 finals is back for more. The fleetfooted attacker and his wing-play will be important in feeding Mahious down the middle.
Meet the coaches
The Uganda Cranes CHAN team is led by a coaching duo comprising Morley Byekwaso as the head coach and Fred Muhumuza as his deputy.
Byekwaso and Muhumuza have previously worked together on an interim basis for the Uganda Cranes, handling friendly matches against Mali and Zambia in October 2023. Byekwaso has also led Uganda Hippos (U20 Men) to two continental finals, while Muhumuza guided Vipers SC to a domestic double in the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup.
After having led the team in 2022, Madjid Bougherra returns as coach of Algeria’s CHAN team. He’s a seasoned coach who has led the team to significant milestones, including victory at the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar and the CHAN final in 2022. Bougherra emphasizes the importance of focus and discipline, especially in high-pressure matches like the one against Uganda in the CHAN 2024 opener. He’s confident in his team’s abilities, but also acknowledges the strength of their opponents.
Stadium
Algeria will play Uganda at the 45,000 seater capacity Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. The match is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, with a kickoff time of 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT). This stadium will host Group C matches, featuring Uganda, Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa.
Prior to this encounter, Niger has only ever loged horns once in this competition against Guinea, back in 2016. It was a group C game that saw both teams share the spoils (two-all). Mossi Moussa and Adamou Moussa got the goals for Niger, while Abobacar Sylla and Kire Bangoura appeared on Guinea’s score sheet.
Tournament appearances
This is Niger’s fifth appearance at the competition with previous appearances in 2011 (Quater-finals), 2016 (group stage) 2020 (group stage) and 2022 (fourth).
Guinea are an appearance behind Niger, making their fourth tournament outing after 2016 (Fourth), 2018 (Group stage) and 2020 (third).
Players to watch
Niger
Coach Harouna Douala can rely on his young team’s ability to be compact and “suffer for one another” but, there are key contributors to his team, that can almost singlehandedly impact the game when needed.
Goalkeeper Tandja Kassali Djibo
Playing at his second CHAN competition, goalkeeper Djibo Kassali has asserted himself as Niger’s number one and made some key stops en route to Niger’s fourth place finish in the CHAN Totalenergies 2022, where he kept 3 clean sheets.
Adamou Djibo
Versatile defender Adamou Djibo, taking part in his fourth CHAN competition will be vital if indeed Niger are to get anything away from the Guinea game.
The left-back is known for his energetic runs that can help provide vim in forward play, an as well as keeping his own when it comes to one-v-one defending.
This tournament has acted like a great platform for Guinean players in the past including young Morlaye Sylla, with other youngsters looking to take their chance.
One of those keen on making an impression in the tournament is Yakhouba Gnagna Barry.
The Horoya AC forward returns to the competition after he made his Totalenergies CHAN debut in 2020, where he scored three goals.
The center-forward is a handful and Niger must be weary of his quick pace as well as the fact that he loves playing on the shoulders of defenders.
Mohamed Saliou
Bangoura (Hafia FC):At just 20 years old, Bangoura has emerged as Guinea’s key player. A versatile forward with speed, technique, and exceptional finishing ability, Bangoura was instrumental in Guinea’s qualification, scoring in both legs against Guinea-Bissau. With his sharp attacking instincts, he will be a constant threat to defenders in the CHAN tournament.Coach
Souleymane Camara:
Although Camara successfully led Guinea through qualification, he will not be on the bench at CHAN due to CAF’s licensing requirements. Known for his tactical acumen and preference for the 4-3-3 formation, Camara has laid a strong foundation for the team, ensuring they arrive at CHAN 2024 well-prepared and confident.
Coach
Harouna Douala Gabde is a seasoned coach from Niger, renowned for guiding the country’s local national team, Mena, in various international competitions. Here’s a detailed profile of the coach:
Born on January 10, 1966, Harouna Douala Gabde is 59 years old and has been coaching for a considerable amount of time, accumulating an average tenure of 1.55 years. Douala prefers a 4-4-2 formation, showcasing his tactical acumen in adapting to different opponents and situations. He has led Niger to multiple CHAN appearances, including the 2024 edition, and previously guided the team to the semi-finals.
Niger will play Guinea at the 45,000 seater capacity Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. The match is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, with a kickoff time of 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT). This stadium will host Group C matches, featuring Uganda, Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa.
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