Head coach Paul Put has called up Khalid Aucho, who has just announced his international retirement, for the double header against Botswana. The Sidama Bunna FC midfielder is expected to play one last match on home soil.
Head coach Paul Put has unveiled his squad for the two AFCON qualifying matches against Botswana. Among the names selected is Khalid Aucho, the veteran midfielder who has just announced his international retirement. According to Xinhua, he is indeed part of the group called up for next month’s double header.
Aucho, thirteen years and 77 caps
At 77 caps over thirteen years of international career, Aucho should therefore make a final appearance in front of his home crowd, at Hoima City Stadium in the west of the country, on 14 November. The return match is scheduled three days later.
The Sidama Bunna FC midfielder, who plays in the Ethiopian Premier League, announced his international retirement at the time of this recall. After thirteen years in the Uganda shirt, he has 77 caps. According to Xinhua, he is expected to play this final home match.
Two returning players in the squad
Paul Put has also called up midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga and defender Herbert Bockhorn, both of whom were absent from the first two qualifiers. These recalls widen the head coach’s options for the double header.
“I have invited some players who did not feature in the first two matches and I believe we shall have a very competitive team,” said Paul Put, quoted by Xinhua.
Group H leaders
Uganda lead Group H after a 1-1 away draw in Tunisia and a 1-0 win over Libya. These two results place the team at the top before they host Botswana.
Uganda are playing these qualifiers despite already being qualified for AFCON 2027, as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The competition will be staged in East Africa for the first time. The return match against Botswana is scheduled for 17 November.