AFCON 2027 Group H Qualifier
Saturday (Hoima City Stadium, Hoima) Uganda vs Botswana 7pm
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Khalid Aucho and Kenneth Semakula during training in Hoima ahead of the Uganda Cranes’ clash with Botswana. Photo: FUFA media
Tuesday (Gaborone National Stadium, Botswana) Botswana v Uganda 7pm
Uganda Cranes forward Allan Okello has called on fans to turn up in big numbers when the national team hosts Botswana in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 Group H qualifier at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday.
Okello believes home support will be important as Uganda seeks to maintain its lead in the group and secure another positive result.
“As usual, we always ask you guys to come. Come in big numbers. You are the 12th player. Without you guys, sometimes it is very difficult for us. We would like to have you behind us. With you guys behind us, we have the expectation,” Okello said.
The forward also assured supporters that the players are ready to give them an entertaining afternoon.
“I know you have a high expectation of us. With you guys behind us, I believe it is not going to be a disappointment. We need you guys to be there. We are going to enjoy the weekend in Hoima. We are going to have fun and hopefully make you guys happy,” he added.
Uganda go into the encounter top of Group H with four points from two matches. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Tunisia before beating Libya 1-0 in Hoima.
Botswana have two points after drawing their opening two matches and will be looking for their first win. Tunisia also has two points, while Libya has one.
The Cranes will be seeking to use home advantage to strengthen their position in the group, although they will be aware of the challenge posed by the visitors.
Uganda have won their last two meetings with Botswana, both by 1-0 margins, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Saturday's match will also provide an opportunity for former captain Khalid Aucho to make his expected final appearance for the Cranes. The midfielder, who announced his retirement from international football in October, has earned 77 caps and represented Uganda at three AFCON finals.
Aucho has expressed excitement about playing in Hoima for the first time and saying goodbye to the fans. His appearance, however, will depend on head coach Paul Put's selection.
The Cranes will travel to Botswana for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, at Gaborone National Stadium.
Source: ChampionSport Reporter
