Algeria’s Abderrahmane Meziane left the pitch with a bloodied smile and a missing tooth — but also with the hearts of fans across the continent after a commanding display in his side’s 3–0 win over Uganda in the opening Group C clash at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship CHAN
The CR Belouizdad winger scored once and ran the show as Algeria laid down an early marker in the tournament with a clinical performance at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala
Tooth gone but spirit unshaken
Meziane’s commitment was on full display when he took a knock that knocked out one of his teeth yet played on unfazed powering Algeria’s attacking engine with pace poise and precision
“Our opponents played well I lost a tooth but the enthusiasm was there and thanks to God everything went very well” Meziane said after the match still smiling through the pain as he collected his TotalEnergies Man of the Match award
His goal came in the 38th minute after a sweeping move down the left wing The 30-year-old finished calmly under pressure to double Algeria’s lead after Ayoub Ghezala had opened the scoring earlier with a powerful header
Algeria’s creative force
Beyond his goal Meziane’s influence was everywhere His movement opened up space for teammates his touch was sharp and his decision-making on the ball helped Algeria maintain fluidity in attack
Meziane has been in strong form for CR Belouizdad contributing 7 goals in 29 matches last season and already posting 2 goals and 5 assists in 10 games this term
“The first game is always difficult” he said “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”
A statement win
The Fennecs looked sharp well-drilled and hungry throughout the match Coach Abdelhak Benchikha’s side were compact without the ball and explosive with it wrapping up the game with a third goal from Soufiane Bayazid in the second half
Uganda struggled to contain Algeria’s movement especially in wide areas and were second best in midfield duels throughout the ninety minutes
With Group C also featuring South Africa and Guinea competition will be fierce but Algeria’s dominant display signals they are not just here to compete — they are here to contend
Eyes on the prize
After finishing runners-up in 2022 Algeria appear to have returned to CHAN with more hunger better chemistry and a squad that blends experience with firepower
If Meziane continues in this form he may well become the face of CHAN 2024 A player who leads with courage class and a touch of steel — even if it means smiling through missing teeth
