Murishid Juuko sits out of penultimate training ahead of Zimbabwe clash

Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre could be without his key defender Murishid Juuko when they face Zimbabwe in the second group game of the AFCON 2019 finals on Wednesday 26th June 2019.

Juuko sat out of yesterday’s training session at the Arab Contractors stadium in the Egyptian capital, Cairo reportedly due to a stomach upset.

Juuko who has established himself as a pillar in the national team central defence alongside assistant captain Hassan Wasswa could leave a big void in the team that has established itself as a strong defensive entity.

From the training last evening, Ostersunds’ defender Ronald Mukiibi could be Juuko’s replacement in the team as Desabre tested him with Wasswa in the backline.

The other option would be Timothy Awany who came on but as a midfielder in 2-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The other players seemed fully fit during last evening’s shot training session that lasted under one hour.

Abdu Lumala who limped off during last Saturday’s game was in flying form during the past two trainings.

Meanwhile, the Cranes’ performance in Cairo has also attracted royalty as the team was visited by Tooro’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru who is also in Cairo to support the national team.

In his brief address to the players after training, the Omukama encouraged the players to go finish off what they started and progress to the last 16.

“Personally I had things to do in Uganda, but I decided to come here and support our team because all of you belong to us as a nation. The game against Congo, we were very very proud of you and now we are leading the table. So don’t underestimate your opponents, always respect them, but don’t fear them, so that you go into this next game and then finish them off.” Said the King to a listening crowd of players, officials and journalists.

Uganda tops group A with three points, tally with second placed Egypt but with a superior goal difference.

A win against Zimbabwe will send Uganda out of the group stages for the first time since 1978.