Meziane shines through pain as Algeria power past Uganda
Algeria's Abderrahmane Meziane lost a tooth but won a nation’s admiration after a stellar performance in their 3–0 win over Uganda in the opening Group C clash at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The CR Belouizdad winger scored one and inspired many more as Algeria launched their CHAN 2024 campaign in dominant style, underlining their ambition to go all the way in this year’s tournament.
A bloody grin and a goal to remember
Despite taking a knock that cost him a tooth during the match, Meziane shrugged off the pain to produce a commanding display.
“Our opponents played well. I lost a tooth, but the enthusiasm was there, and thanks to God everything went very well,” Meziane said, smiling through the battle scars after being named TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
The 31-year-old netted Algeria’s second of the night in the 38th minute — a cool finish that capped off a sweeping move down the left flank — and was a constant menace throughout, using his pace and sharp movement to stretch Uganda’s defence.
Leading by example
Meziane’s influence went well beyond the scoresheet. His vision, tight control, and ability to create space between the lines made him the heartbeat of Algeria’s attacking play.
His recent form for club side CR Belouizdad has been impressive, with 7 goals in 29 matches during the 2023/24 campaign, and 2 goals and 5 assists in 10 games so far this season — a sign of his continued impact in domestic football.
“The first game is always difficult,” he noted.
“But we’ll keep moving forward, chasing better results to keep our hopes alive. Each game will write its own story. We’re here until the end.”
That quiet determination has come to symbolise Algeria’s tournament mindset — calculated, aggressive, and unyielding.
Fennecs off to a flying star
Algeria’s comprehensive win at CHAN 2024’s Group C opener was also marked by goals from centre-back Ayoub Ghezala, who powered home a header to break the deadlock, and Soufiane Bayazid, who sealed the result with a well-placed strike in the second half.
The Fennecs were tactically compact and ruthlessly efficient, keeping Uganda at bay while showcasing depth in their attacking options.
Coach Madjid Bougherra will be pleased not just with the scoreline, but with the cohesion and fluidity shown by his squad — hallmarks of a team already in sync.
Algeria eyeing deep tournament run
Group C is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the tournament, with Uganda, Algeria, South Africa and Uganda all chasing a single qualification spot.
Algeria’s next match will be a key test of consistency, but if Meziane maintains his current level, he could well become one of the tournament’s defining figures.
Having reached the final in 2022 but falling short, the Fennecs appear determined to go one better in 2024 — and Meziane’s battle-hardened brilliance could lead the way.