The Uganda Cranes head into their November Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Botswana with two objectives: strengthen their grip on Group H and give former captain Khalid Aucho a fitting farewell. The two encounters against the Botswana Zebras will carry added significance for Uganda, particularly Saturday’s first leg at Hoima City Stadium, where Aucho is expected to receive his official send-off after years of service to the national team. The midfielder’s retirement brings an emotional dimension to an otherwise important competitive assignment, with Uganda hoping to make his final appearance a memorable occasion. Botswana also holds a special connection for Aucho, having been among the opponents against whom he has found the net. However, beyond the celebrations, head coach Paul Put has a serious football assignment to handle. The Cranes are looking to maintain their position at the top of Group H and use the two matches to strengthen a team expected to carry Uganda’s hopes at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Uganda, which will co-host the continental tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, has already secured automatic qualification. Nevertheless, the three host nations are participating in the qualifiers to maintain competitive sharpness and build teams capable of challenging Africa’s established sides. The Cranes have so far collected four points from their opening Group H assignments, putting them top of the standings. Botswana and Tunisia are closely behind on two points each, leaving the group delicately poised heading into the November fixtures. Uganda will host Botswana at Hoima City stadium on Saturday, November 14, before travelling for the return leg on Tuesday, November 17. Maximum points from the two matches would give Put’s side a valuable cushion at the summit while providing another opportunity to assess the team’s progress against competitive opposition. The Cranes have enjoyed encouraging results against Botswana in recent meetings, although their encounters have generally been closely contested. Uganda registered a crucial 1-0 away victory in Francistown through a Jude Ssemugabi header during the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign. The result took Uganda to 18 points in Group G and kept their playoff hopes alive until the final day. Another 1-0 victory in 2024 marked the return of international football to the renovated Mandela National stadium, Namboole, further strengthening Uganda’s recent record against the Zebras. That history provides encouragement, but Put will be aware that past results count for little when the two sides meet again. Botswana will be equally determined to collect points and remain in contention in a group where the margins are still narrow. For Uganda, the November double-header also provides an opportunity to consolidate the progress made in the opening qualifiers while testing the depth of the squad. Put is expected to use the assignments to assess some of the newer faces, including naturalised players joining the national team setup. Their integration will be important as Uganda seeks to build a competitive squad ahead of the 2027 finals. Botswana’s physical approach, characterised by long balls and aerial challenges, should provide a useful examination of Uganda’s defensive organisation, discipline and ability to compete in second-ball situations. However, the Cranes could have some selection concerns to manage. The continued absence of Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi has attracted attention, with Put offering explanations for their situations amid growing interest in their availability. Capradossi’s circumstances, in particular, remain a talking point as Uganda looks to settle its defensive options. There are also question marks over Rogers Mato’s availability for the two matches. The forward was nursing an injury sustained about two weeks before the fixtures, leaving his full involvement uncertain by press time. Mato’s potential absence would be a concern for Put, given the importance of having attacking options capable of stretching Botswana’s defence and converting chances. Nevertheless, Uganda will be expected to approach the doubleheader with confidence, having started the qualifying campaign with results that have put them in control of Group H. The challenge now is to translate that early promise into consistency, particularly against an opponent that has shown it can make life difficult for the Cranes. And while the points will matter enormously, Saturday’s occasion in Hoima will also be about recognising Aucho’s contribution to Ugandan football. AFCON QUALIFIERS GROUP H FIXTURES Friday, Nov 13@7pm: Tunisia v Libya Saturday, Nov 14@7pm: Uganda v Botswana Tuesday, Nov 17@7pm: Libya v Tunisia Tuesday, Nov 17@10pm: Botswana v UgandaThe post Cranes face Botswana appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.