Saturday, November 14: Uganda vs Botswana, Hoima City Stadium, 7pm.
Tuesday, November 17: Botswana vs Uganda, Gaborone National Stadium, 7pm.
Hoima City, Uganda — Uganda Cranes midfielder and former captain Khalid Aucho is set for a special farewell from the national team when Uganda host Botswana in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has planned a special moment to honour Aucho, who announced his retirement from international football in October after representing the country at three AFCON tournaments.
FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein said the federation wants to give the midfielder an opportunity to enjoy a memorable final appearance before the home supporters, although his involvement will depend on the decision of head coach Paul Put.
“Of course, there will be a special moment for Khalid Aucho, the captain. He is one of the few players who have played at AFCON three times, in 2017, 2019 and 2025. He is a special player, wearing jersey number eight, and he has been a darling to the fans,” Hussein said.
Hussein, who previously worked with Aucho as head of media for the national team, praised the midfielder’s leadership and cooperation with the media.
“He is one of those who push the players, while also respecting the media schedules put out there,” he added.
He said FUFA had wanted to make the occasion a special day for the former captain but emphasised that team selection remains the responsibility of the technical team.
“As a federation, we wanted to make a special day for him to enjoy the moment as his final game for the national team. But it also depends on the coach selecting him because that decision is not made by FUFA,” Hussein said.
Aucho, who has earned 77 caps for Uganda, is expected to reach 78 appearances if selected against Botswana. The midfielder said he was excited about playing in Hoima for the first time and having an opportunity to bid farewell to supporters.
“It’s going to be my first time to go to Hoima. It’s going to be great playing in Hoima, feeling the grass and also saying goodbye to my fans,” he said.
“I cannot wait to see my fans. I thank everyone who is part of the team and leadership for giving me this honour. I am really humbled.”
The 33-year-old also praised improvements in the national team’s arrangements, describing his recent travel experience with the Cranes as memorable.
“It’s been so amazing. It was my first time travelling using business class. I feel like the level at the national team has greatly improved,” he said.
Aucho featured for Uganda at the 2017, 2019 and 2025 AFCON tournaments. He was part of the squad that ended the country’s 38-year absence from the continental finals in 2017 and later captained the Cranes at the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Saturday’s match carries significant weight for Uganda’s Group H campaign, with the Cranes leading the standings on four points from two matches.
Uganda opened the campaign with a 1-1 away draw against Tunisia before securing a 1-0 home victory over Libya. Botswana and Tunisia have two points each, while Libya have one.
Botswana will be seeking its first win after drawing their opening two matches, while Uganda will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the group.
The Cranes have also won their last two meetings with Botswana, recording 1-0 victories during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The teams will meet again in the return fixture at Gaborone National Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.
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