Khalid Aucho will be given the chance to say goodbye to Uganda supporters during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after being included in Paul Put’s 30-man squad to face Botswana.
The 33-year-old midfielder announced his retirement from international football on 12 October, but has accepted the Uganda manager’s offer of an organised farewell. He is expected to make his final appearance for the Cranes in the home match against Botswana on 14 November at Hoima City Stadium.
Belgian manager Put said he had contacted Aucho before naming his squad and explained why he wanted the former captain to be involved in the forthcoming double-header.
“For a player as respected as Khalid, he deserves an organised farewell,” Put said while presenting his squad.
Aucho’s inclusion will allow him to reunite with his international team-mates and acknowledge the supporters who have followed his career with Uganda. The midfielder agreed to the proposal, according to reports in the Ugandan press.
The occasion will mark the end of a 13-year international career during which Aucho won 77 caps and appeared at three Africa Cup of Nations finals.
His international career began on 30 November 2013. One of its significant milestones came when Uganda returned to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017, ending a 39-year absence from the tournament.
Aucho, who served as captain and became an important presence in the dressing room, will leave international football with extensive experience of representing his country. Supporters in Hoima will have the opportunity to pay tribute to him before Uganda’s return fixture against Botswana on 17 November.