Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho is set to make a farewell appearance on home soil after being named in the 30-man squad for next month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Botswana.

Aucho, who announced his retirement from international football on October 12, is bringing the curtain down on a 13-year career with the national team.

The midfielder has earned 77 caps for Uganda and previously served as captain, establishing himself as one of the key figures in the Cranes setup over the years.

His inclusion in Paul Put’s squad offers fans an opportunity to celebrate his contribution when Uganda host Botswana at Hoima City Stadium on November 14, before the return leg away from home.

Put has largely retained the squad used during the previous international window, with several familiar faces maintaining their places. Arnold Vula, who scored the decisive goal in Uganda’s victory over Libya at Hoima City Stadium, has also been included.

Bobosi Byaruhanga and Herbert Bockhorn return to the squad after missing the previous window, providing additional options in midfield and defence, respectively.

The Cranes will be seeking positive results over the two legs as they continue their campaign in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Aucho’s anticipated farewell adding significance to the home fixture.

Uganda Cranes squad

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Kingdom Osayi (Assyriska FF, Sweden), David Lukwago (SC Villa, Uganda), David Udoh Akpan (Mosta FC, Malta).

Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Jonathan Odongo (Entebbe UPPC, Uganda), Rogers Torach (CS Constantine, Algeria), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United, Kenya), Majub Toto (Atlanta United, USA), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany).

Midfielders: Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1969 Spor, Turkey), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC, Scotland), Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United, Kenya), Khalid Aucho (Sidama Bunna, Ethiopia), Abdoulaye Sissako (St. Truidense, Belgium).

Forwards: Allan Okello (AS FAR, Morocco), James Bogere (AGF, Denmark), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Kelvin Boateng (Austria Wien, Austria), Rogers Mato (Hearts FC, Scotland), Arnold Vula (Beerschot, Belgium), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks, USA), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa, Uganda).