Abderrahmane Meziane delivered a masterclass performance to earn the Man of the Match award as Algeria cruised to a 3-0 win over Uganda in their opening fixture at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had no hesitation in recognizing the Algerian forward’s influence in a match that firmly underlined Algeria’s intentions for the tournament.
Meziane was at the heart of Algeria’s attacking brilliance, orchestrating much of the team’s offensive play with his vision, movement, and precision.
His impact was felt early, providing the crucial assist for Algeria’s opening goal in the 36th minute.
A perfectly delivered corner kick from the left found captain Ayoub Ghezala lurking at the near post, who made no mistake with a clinical header to give the North Africans a deserved lead.
As Uganda attempted to mount a response after the break, Meziane continued to pose a constant threat with his incisive runs and intelligent positioning.
The Cranes’ defense struggled to contain the former USM Alger winger, who maintained his influence deep into the second half.
His persistence paid off in the 75th minute when he capitalized on a defensive lapse to double Algeria’s advantage.
After his initial shot was blocked, Meziane calmly collected the rebound and curled a sumptuous effort beyond the reach of Uganda’s goalkeeper, delivering a decisive blow that effectively sealed the contest.
Meziane’s contributions didn’t end with his goal.
His relentless pressing and link-up play opened up spaces for his teammates, culminating in Algeria’s third goal through Sofiane Bayazid, who completed the scoring and added gloss to an already dominant display.
The 30-year-old attacker’s all-round performance was a demonstration of his technical quality and tactical intelligence, attributes that have made him a standout figure in Algeria’s squad.
His ability to influence the game both as a creator and a finisher proved invaluable, earning plaudits from fans and pundits alike.
Following the match, CAF officials confirmed Meziane as the Man of the Match, a recognition that perfectly encapsulated his pivotal role in Algeria’s emphatic start.
For Meziane and his teammates, the victory not only delivers an early statement of intent but also sets a confident tone as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
