Aucho announced his retirement on October 12th, bringing an end to a 13-year international career during which he earned 77 caps and captained the national team.
Confirming his retirement, Aucho said: “I officially announce my retirement from international football after an unforgettable 13-year journey representing my country, the Uganda Cranes.
“From my international debut on November 30th, 2013, to earning 77 caps and having the ultimate honour of captaining our national team, wearing the black, yellow, and red jersey has been the greatest privilege of my life.
“It is now time for a new generation of heroes to step forward, carry the flag and write their own history. I look forward to supporting them as one of Uganda’s biggest fans.”
While naming his squad for the matchday three and four qualifier against the Mambas, coach Paul Put included Aucho. Uganda will face Botswana at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, November 14th.
A statement from Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) confirmed: “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.”
Aucho, who currently plays for Ethiopian Premier League club Sidama Coffee, has played football in various clubs, such as Jinja Municipal Council F.C. from 2009 to 2010, Water F.C from Uganda from 2010 to 2012, Simba FC from Uganda, Tusker from Kenya, Gor Mahia from Kenya, and Baroka from the South African Premier Soccer League.
Aucho’s 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 made his debut for Uganda against Rwanda in a 1-0 victory at the 2013 CECAFA Cup. He scored his first international goal in a match against Sudan to give his side a 1-0 victory in the group stage of the same competition.
In June 2016, Aucho scored on an overhead kick from his own penalty box in a 2-1 away win over Botswana in a qualifying game for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda squad to face Botswana
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, South Africa), Kingdom Osayi (Assyriska FF, Sweden), David Lukwago (SC Villa, Uganda) and David Udoh Akpan (Mosta FC, Malta).
Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion FC, England), Jonathan Odongo (Entebbe UPPC FC, Uganda), Rogers Torach (CS Constantine, Algeria), Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria Club, Egypt), Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City FC, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United FC, Kenya), Majub Toto (Atlanta United FC, USA), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany).
Midfielders: Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1969 Spor, Turkey), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC, Scotland), Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United FC, Kenya), Khalid Aucho (Sidama Bunna, Ethiopia) and Abdoulaye Sissako (St. Truidense V.V., Belgium).
Forwards: Allan Okello (AS FAR, Morocco), James Bogere (AGF, Denmark), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Kelvin Boateng (FK Austria Wien, Austria), Rogers Mato (Hearts FC, Scotland), Arnold Vula (K. Beerschot V.A., Belgium), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, USA), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa, Uganda).
