Ugandan defender Ronald Mukiibi could make competitive debut for Uganda Cranes against Zimbabwe on Wednesday

Swedish based defender Ronald Mukiibi could make his competitive debut in the Uganda cranes backline on Wednesday evening as Uganda takes on Zimbabwe in a crucial group A game that will determine whether Uganda makes it out of the group.

The 6ft 2 Oestersunds defender has for the past three days been training in a defensive partnership with Cranes vice captain Hassan Wasswa.

While this is not yet a given, during the pre match press conference on Tuesday, the Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre when asked why defender Murishid Juuko has not been training since the victory over D. R Congo, the coach said he was managing something about the Simba FC player to ensure that he can give 100% to the team.

“ Juuko got a yellow card against Congo and we have to manage something about him. We need to ensure that every player can give 100%. I will have to make a key decision on Juuko.” Said the Frenchman.

Chances of Murishid who is believed to have a stomach upset starting the game might be slimmer since he still sat out of the final training session at the Arab Contractors stadium on Tuesday evening.

On a broader perspective, the tactician noted that despite the convincing win against two time African champions D.R. Congo in the opener, there is need for his team to polish a few areas in which they are lacking.

“We a have good quality attacking midfield and defense and our strategy is to improve in the areas we were lacking in our opening game. Yes, we played a good game but we were not perfect. The win against DR Congo now means nothing. We need maximum points and we are ready to put up a good performance.” Said the boss.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s boss Sunday Chidzambwa whose side lost to Egypt in the opening game of the tournament says they have worked on their weak points and are ready to challenge Uganda.

“We are going to face Uganda and it’s a very tough team, we are very aware Uganda has a solid defense but we are ready for them, we last played Uganda about nine years ago, in a different country and environment, things have changed, said the coach.

Zimbabwe needs a win to keep their hopes of a place in the last 16 alive.