Defender Bevis Mugabi says that they will do everything to see the Uganda Cranes qualify for the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Mugabi is part of Milutin Micho Sredejovic’s Uganda Cranes squad camped in Tunisia ahead of the Group F qualification games against Algeria on June 4 and Niger on June 8.
The Motherwell defender wants to return to the continental showpiece after featuring in 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt where he helped Uganda reach the knockout.
“Qualifying for AFCON ultimately is the target, I don’t think any player came here as passengers and not to compete,” Mugabi said.
“For me personally, I want to play in Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations, we are ready, and we are going to do everything to make that happen.”
Blessed with excellent solidity, balance, vision and passing ability, Micho will bank on those strong attributes by Mugabi who can play both at the right and Centre of defence.
Mugabi featured in a practice match against Hammam Sousse, which the Cranes won 8-1.
“With the game yesterday, the manager was trying to get across the information he wants from us on Saturday’s game,” Mugabi said on Tuesday.
“It’s nice to have a friendly match with the team together a squad. And hopefully we go into Saturday’s game in good conditions.”
The team will have another practice match against Al Ahli Tripoli FC as coach Micho continues to fine tune his Army.
Algeria are the 2019 AFCON champions, and a big bunch of that squad still part of the Desert Warriors team that will face Uganda Cranes at the The 5 July 1962 Stadium.
Mugabi commented: “Everyone in the squad has good experience playing against different type of players and We are ready to go into Saturday’s game to compete.”
