By Fred Kaweesi

If Cranes register a 1-0 win over Africa Champions Zambia next weekend, it means this decisive Nations Cup qualifying fixture will then have to be decided in a penalty shoot-out.

It means either team’s prospects of progressing to the finals in South Africa next year will largely be determined by the safe hands of Denis Onyango (Cranes) and Kennedy Mweene (Chipolopolo).

Interestingly, the two goalkeepers, who coincidentally ply their trades in South Africa, have curved out reputations as fantastic penalty stoppers over the years.

But who are the five heroes that will step forward for those dreaded kicks if destiny calls.

Normally, players would have to volunteer but it is always safe to have a group mentally prepared that can be counted on for moments like this.

As it is, Godfrey Walusimbi is Cranes first choice and will step forward as the first. The second will likely be Geoffrey Massa. He is highly regarded by his colleagues.

Simeon Masaba would have stepped in as the third but decided to distance himself from penalties since last year’s CECAFA tournament when he missed his.

It means Andy Mwesigwa and Emmanuel Okwi could take the third or fourth. Goalkeeper Onyango would then take the fifth. Onyango will come as a surprise but not to those that have watched him take a number in training before. The gangly goalkeeper is a reliable figure!