By 
Khalid Aucho is set for one final appearance in Uganda Cranes colours after being included in Paul Put’s 30-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Botswana.
The Cranes captain announced his retirement from international football on October 12, bringing the curtain down on a 13-year journey with the national team in which he earned 77 caps.
Ugandan supporters will now have one last opportunity to celebrate the long-serving midfielder when the Cranes host Botswana at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, November 14, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM.
The encounter is expected to serve as Aucho’s farewell on home soil and bring an emotional end to a journey that has seen him become one of the most recognisable figures of the Cranes’ recent generation.
Aucho has been a key presence in Uganda’s midfield for more than a decade and was part of the Cranes side that ended the country’s 39-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations appearance by qualifying for the 2017 finals in Gabon.
He also featured at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where Uganda progressed from the group stages and reached the Round of 16.
Aucho later took on the responsibility of captaining the national team, remaining an important figure in the Cranes setup before announcing his decision to step away from international football.
His inclusion gives the Botswana encounter added significance, with supporters in Hoima set to witness the final chapter of his Cranes career.
Put has meanwhile named a blend of experienced and emerging players for the Botswana double-header, with Denis Onyango, Allan Okello, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Denis Omedi among those summoned.
After the home encounter, Uganda will travel to Botswana for the return leg as Put’s charges continue their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Kingdom Osayi, David Lukwago, David Udoh Akpan.
Defenders: Toby Sibbick, Jonathan Odongo, Rogers Torach, Aziizi Kayondo, Kenneth Semakula, Nathan Asiimwe, Hilary Mukundane, Gavin Kizito, Majub Toto, Herbert Achayi, Herbert Bockhorn.
Midfielders: Baba Alhassan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Joseph Seremba, Khalid Aucho, Abdoulaye Sissako.
Forwards: Allan Okello, James Bogere, Travis Mutyaba, Kelvin Boateng, Rogers Mato, Arnold Vula, Sadam Masereka, Denis Omedi, Frank Ssebufu.
