Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho is ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier game against Botswana.
The sad announcement was made by Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put in a pre-match conference held at FUFA Complex, Mengo on Thursday morning.
According to the gaffer, the skipper is ruled out of the game tomorrow due to a minor injury.
“Unfortunately, captain (Khalid) Aucho picked up an injury in his last club engagement,” the gaffer stated.
“The doctors assessed him and ruled him out of tomorrow’s game but we hope he can be able to recover in time for the game on Monday,” he added.
In the same breath, Aucho added to the gaffer’s words confirming his injury suffered in the club’s game they faced Azam FC.
“I felt something in my knee after the final against Azam on Sunday but I thought it was minor. When I took a scan, the results were not positive but regardless the coach wanted me to be part of the team,” he said.
“I believe the boys are in the best shape mentally and physically. I believe they will deliver in both games and make Ugandans proud.”
The Cranes are pitted in Group G along Algeria, Botswana, Guinea, Mozambique and Somalia.
After the two games played, Uganda Cranes have registered one victory and lost one sitting fourth on the log with three points.
Players in Camp
Goalkeepers
Isima Bid Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Crispus Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Braddy Jeans Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda)
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Ronald Otto (Bul FC, Uganda), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Timothy Denis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Elio Capradossi (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Carl James Mujaguzi (Athlone Town AFC, Ireland)
Forwards
Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC, Ghana), Nelson Ssenkatuka ( Soltilo BrightStars, Uganda) Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC, Uganda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
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