Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho will have an opportunity to bid farewell to the national team faithful when Uganda hosts Botswana in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, 14th November 2026.
The midfielder announced his retirement from international football on 12th October 2026, bringing to a close a 13-year journey with the Uganda Cranes.
Aucho made his international debut on 30th November 2013 and went on to earn 77 caps, including the honour of captaining his country on the international stage.
Reflecting on his career, Aucho described representing Uganda as the greatest privilege of his football journey.
‘Wearing the black, yellow, and red jersey has been the greatest privilege,’ he said in his retirement statement.
His international career coincided with a significant period in Ugandan football, including the end of the country’s 38-year wait to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. He represented Uganda at three AFCON tournaments and had the honour of leading the national team as captain.
Aucho also reflected on his humble beginnings in Bugembe, where his dream was to represent his country on football’s biggest stages.
‘Growing up as a young boy working at Bugembe market abattoir, my dream was simple: to hear our National anthem echo on the biggest stages of world football,’ he stated.
The midfielder expressed gratitude to FUFA and its administrators, the coaches who guided him, his teammates and the supporters who stood behind the national team throughout his career. He paid tribute to the late Fred Kajoba, as well as Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević, Sébastien Desabre, Johnathan McKinstry and Paul Put.
He reserved special appreciation for the fans, whose support he described as central to the team’s journey.
‘The Fans: The heartbeat of Ugandan football. Your roar at Namboole and support across the country kept us going through every challenge,’ he said.
As he brings his international career to a close, Aucho expressed confidence in the next generation of players and pledged to remain committed to Ugandan football.
‘It is now time for a new generation of heroes to step forward, carry the flag, and write their own history,’ he said, adding that he looked forward to supporting them as ‘one of Uganda’s biggest fans’.
The home fixture against Botswana will therefore carry added significance, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate Aucho’s service and give him a fitting send-off in Hoima.
The match kicks off at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available exclusively online, priced at UGX 20,000 for Ordinary Lower, UGX 30,000 for Ordinary Upper and UGX 150,000 for VIP.
As Uganda continues its quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals, the occasion will provide an opportunity to honour a captain whose 13-year international journey has been marked by leadership, commitment and pride in representing his country.
