Goalkeeper and captain Denis Onyango, 41, was replaced as early as the 42nd minute of the Uganda – Botswana match (1-1) in Hoima, where 18-year-old James Bogere opened the scoring on his first start.
Denis Onyango’s return to the Uganda national team was cut short. The 41-year-old goalkeeper and captain was replaced in the 42nd minute of the match against Botswana (1-1) at Hoima City Stadium, on matchday 3 of Group H, according to Africa Soccer.
The Mamelodi Sundowns keeper had nevertheless ended four years of international retirement, at the national team’s request. The severity of his injury has not yet been confirmed.
Kingdom Osayi takes over
It was Kingdom Osayi, 22, who replaced him. He plays for Assyriska FF, in the Swedish third tier.
Since his return, Onyango had started 8 of Uganda’s last 14 matches, with 2 clean sheets along the way, according to Africa Soccer.
At club level, the keeper has not played for Sundowns this season, where he has been on the bench four times. He is expected to retire at the end of the season and to play the 2027 AFCON on home soil, as his fifth and final tournament, according to Africa Soccer.
James Bogere: first start and opening goal
The evening was nonetheless kind to the youngsters, though. James Bogere, 18, opened the scoring in the 8th minute on his first start for Uganda, according to Sports Nation Uganda and Kmaupdates. The AGF Aarhus forward has scored in each of his last three international matches, reports TV2.
Botswana equalised in the 31st minute through Losika Ratshukudu, from a Gilbert Baruti free-kick. Uganda remain top of Group H with 5 points from 3 matches, against 3 for their opponents of the day, who have drawn all three, according to Sports Nation Uganda.
Aucho honoured, Onyango to be assessed
The match was also marked by the tribute paid to Khalid Aucho. The 33-year-old midfielder was honoured for his international retirement after 77 caps, without coming on, reports Spoti.co.ke.
Head coach Paul Put said: “It has been a pleasure to work with him as captain of the team. It is not easy to be in the National Team for 13 years, but Aucho has done so.”
The extent of Onyango’s injury is yet to be confirmed, according to Africa Soccer. The return match against Botswana is scheduled for Tuesday 17 November 2026, according to Sports Nation Uganda.