Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho will bid farewell to the faithful when Uganda host Botswana in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday.
The midfielder announced his international retirement on 12th October 2026 after a 13-year journey that brought 77 caps and the armband.
Aucho made his debut on 30th November 2013 and represented Uganda at three AFCON tournaments including the historic 2017 qualification.
'Wearing the black, yellow, and red jersey has been the greatest privilege,' Aucho said in his retirement statement.
He recalled growing up at Bugembe market abattoir dreaming to hear the national anthem on football's biggest stages.
Aucho thanked FUFA administrators, coaches Milutin 'Micho' Sredojević, Sébastien Desabre, Johnathan McKinstry and Paul Put, and paid tribute to the late Fred Kajoba.
'The Fans: The heartbeat of Ugandan football. Your roar at Namboole and support across the country kept us going,' he said.
He expressed confidence in the next generation and pledged to remain Uganda's biggest supporter.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Aucho's leadership void can be filled immediately or if the Cranes need a transitional period.
Kick-off is 7:00 PM with tickets available online at UGX 20,000 Ordinary Lower, UGX 30,000 Ordinary Upper and UGX 150,000 VIP.
Match details
- Fixture: Uganda Cranes vs Botswana
- Competition: TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 qualifiers
- Venue: Hoima City Stadium
- Date: Saturday, 14th November 2026
- Kick-off: 7:00 PM
- Ticket prices: UGX 20,000 (Ordinary Lower), UGX 30,000 (Ordinary Upper), UGX 150,000 (VIP)
- Tickets: Online only
Source: FUFA
