Algeria have fired a thunderous warning shot to the rest of Africa after launching their 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

The Fennecs were ruthless, clinical, and unshakable, stretching their unbeaten CHAN streak to seven matches and setting a jaw-dropping new record of 712 minutes without conceding a goal — the longest defensive shutout in the competition’s history.

Captain Ayoub Ghazala set the tone with the opener before Rahmane Meziane, now on seven career CHAN goals, and Sofiane Bayazid sealed the result. For head coach Madjid Bougherra, this was more than just three points; it was the start of a redemption journey after the heartbreak of losing the 2022 final to Senegal on home soil.

“We came here with one goal: to bring the trophy home,” Bougherra declared. “Uganda had the fans, but we had the plan — and the players executed it perfectly.”

The night also saw the rise of new stars, with 22-year-old debutant Bilal Boukershaoui impressing with his composure and energy, while defensive rock Adam Alilet anchored a backline that has become the envy of Africa. Meziane, who joked about “losing a tooth for the cause,” is now just two goals shy of teammate Aymen Mahious’ CHAN scoring record.

Uganda, buoyed by a roaring home crowd, were left searching for answers after being second-best in every department. “We struggled to find rhythm,” admitted coach Charles Lukwago, promising a stronger response in the next match.

With only their third CHAN participation in history — and having already reached a semi-final (2011) and a final (2022) — Algeria have made their ambitions clear. This time, anything less than gold will feel incomplete.

If their blistering start in Kampala is anything to go by, the rest of Africa has been warned: the Fennecs are here to finish what they started.