Former Gor Mahia midfielder Khalid Aucho has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 13-year career with the Uganda national team, the Uganda Cranes.The combative midfielder confirmed his decision in a statement shared on Facebook on Monday, 12 October ending a journey that saw him earn 77 international caps, captain his country and feature in three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsAucho made his international debut on 30 November 2013, against Rwanda during the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, beginning a decade-long association with the Cranes that established him as one of Uganda’s most dependable midfielders across East Africa. His influence within the national team grew further in October 2021 when he was appointed captain under then Serbian coach Milutin Sredojević. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10017427##He subsequently led Uganda through several international assignments, including the 2024 AFCON qualification campaign.During his international career, Aucho played at the 2017 tournament in Gabon, the 2019 finals in Egypt and the 2025 edition in Morocco.His involvement in Uganda’s return to the continental showpiece in 2017 was particularly significant, ending a 38-year absence from the competition.Yanga coach on how Harambee Stars midfielder's injury triggered Kariokor Derby lossThe former Young Africans (Yanga) midfielder scored two international goals and made his final appearance for Uganda at the 2025 AFCON in December in their 3-1 defeat to Tunisia.Reflecting on his journey, Aucho described representing Uganda as the greatest privilege of his life, recalling his humble beginnings working at Bugembe market abattoir before achieving his dream of playing on Africa’s biggest football stage.Harambee Stars forward in La Liga action as prospect bags Bundesliga assistHe also paid tribute to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), his coaches, teammates and supporters, singling out the late Fred Kajoba for his guidance and belief in his abilities.“While my journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end, my commitment to Ugandan football remains unchanged. It is now time for a new generation of heroes to step forward, carry the flag, and write their own history,” Aucho said.His retirement comes eight months before the 2027 AFCON finals, which Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania, with Cranes set to navigate the tournament without one of their most experienced midfielders.3K FC sweeten FKFPL debut with hundreds of thousands from Mara Sugar clashAt club level, the 33-year-old will now concentrate on his next chapter after joining Ethiopian Premier League side Sidama Bunna FC from Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.Aucho also left his mark on Kenyan football during his spell at Gor Mahia, helping the record 22 league champions win the 2016 Kenyan Premier League title unbeaten.