Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi says the ultimate goal is to play the Africa Cup of Nations that will be staged in Ivory Coast in 2023.The Cranes travel to Algeria to play the 2019 champions in their first qualification match. It is a match that they will be hoping to win in order to kick start their campaign on a positive note as they seek to return to the continental stage after missing in the 2021 edition.Speaking ahead of the Algeria clash, the Scotland based defender spoke of his desire to return to the continental showpiece next year. He added that they are going to give their best to achieve that.Arrived in Algiers & accommodated at Sofitel Hamma Garden Hotel.@OnduparakaFC1 @UgandaCranes#AFCON2023Q pic.twitter.com/xE7FeQlAiV— Muhammad Shaban (@MoShabanJ) June 2, 2022 “Qualifying for AFCON ultimately is the target, I don’t think any player came here as passengers and not to compete. 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.”On Tuesday, Cranes played Hammam Sousse in a friendly match which the Cranes won 8-1 and the defender believes the match was a good preparation ahead of Saturday’ showdown.“With the game, the manager was trying to get across the information he wants from us on Saturday’s game. It’s nice to have a friendly match with the team together as a squad. And hopefully we go into Saturday’s game in good conditions.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,” he added.
