Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso has blamed their 0-3 loss to Algeria in their opening CHAN 2024 game to pressure and anxiety.
The Cranes were outclassed from the outset, conceding three goals and struggling to cope with Algeria’s sharp attacking play and according to Byekwaso, the shortcomings was as a result of both mental and tactical shortcomings.
Also Read: Algeria coach credits tactical discipline in win over Uganda
“We came in to give our best, but we failed in our defensive block and paid the price,” he said after the final whistle. “The team was anxious. We couldn’t launch transitions, and the pressure was a decisive factor in the loss.”
“After the first goal, we collapsed emotionally. We missed chances, lost the ball cheaply, and failed to manage the game.”
Despite the setback, the coach has urged his charges to recover quickly and work on improvement in their next games.
Also Read: Uganda 0-3 Algeria: Hosts outclassed in Kampala
“I believe we have good players. Now we must recover mentally, accept our mistakes, and work to improve before the next game,” he added.
Uganda now face an uphill task of qualifying from their group as they have a match against Guinea next before taking on Niger and South Africa.
In the Group C, Algeria and Guinea are on three points after Match Day One with Niger and Uganda on zero; South Africa is yet to play in the group.
Also Read: CHAN 2024: Guinea overpowers Niger in opener
