Uganda held by Botswana as Aucho bows out
The Cranes have already qualified for next year’s finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, leaving the other three nations to contest the group’s remaining qualification place.
(Courtesy: X/@OfficialFUFA)
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2027 Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations
Qualifiers
Group H
Saturday Result
Uganda 1 Botswana 1
Uganda’s hopes of securing back-to-back victories at Hoima City Stadium suffered a setback on Saturday after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a disciplined Botswana in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group H qualifier.
Forward James Bogere, making his first senior competitive start, gave the Cranes an early lead in the eighth minute with a superb finish, but Losika Ratshukudu equalised for Botswana in the 31st minute to earn the visitors a valuable point.
Uganda, who defeated Libya 1-0 at the same venue in September, started brightly, with 18-year-old Bogere coming close to scoring in the seventh minute.
His initial effort was blocked by defender Alford Velpaphi before Arnold Vula’s follow-up was saved by goalkeeper Goitseone Chichima.
Botswana gradually grew into the contest, enjoying more possession and putting the Ugandan defence under pressure.
Their persistence paid off in the 31st minute when they capitalised on a well-rehearsed set-piece routine.
Midfielder Gilbert Baruti played a short free-kick from the right squaring the ball towards the edge of the box, where Ratshukudu fired emphatically past goalkeeper Denis Onyango to restore parity.
Uganda struggled to regain control after Botswana's goal while Bogere missed an opportunity to create a better chance for Vula or Kelvin Owusu Boateng when he became selfish and his weak shot was blocked.
The Cranes suffered another setback in the 41st minute when captain Onyango picked up an injury and was replaced by debutant Kingdom Osayi.
Osayi was immediately tested, producing an important save in first-half stoppage time to turn Francis Thero’s powerful effort behind for a corner.
Botswana went into the break looking the more organised side, having enjoyed greater possession and created the better chances.
Cranes coach Paul Put responded with a double change in the 55th minute, introducing attacking midfielder Travis Mutyaba and defender Herbert Bockhorn for Boateng and Nathan Asiimwe.
The hosts came close to regaining the lead in the 61st minute when Bobosi Byaruhanga fired wide after being set up by Bogere.
Bockhorn also impressed on his first competitive debut at right-back, offering greater attacking support.
Put made further changes in the 81st minute, bringing on Frank Ssebuufu and Denis Omedi for Vula and Bogere as Uganda pushed for a late winner.
Despite dominating possession in the closing stages, the Cranes could not break down Botswana’s defensive organisation as the visitors held on for a point.
The two sides meet again on Tuesday in Gaborone for the return fixture.
After three matches, Uganda remain top of Group H with five points, followed by Libya on four, Botswana on three and Tunisia on two.
The Cranes have already qualified for next year’s finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, leaving the other three nations to contest the group’s remaining qualification place.
Meanwhile, the match marked the end of an era for Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho, who officially retired from international football after 13 years of service.
At full-time, Aucho, who was an unused substitute, received a guard of honour from his teammates and Botswana players in recognition of his contribution to the Cranes.
The former captain featured at three AFCON finals, with his last appearance coming at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.