Uganda Cranes were held to a 1-1 draw by Botswana in their AFCON 2027 qualifiers encounter at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday.

Despite taking an early lead, Uganda failed to build on their advantage as Botswana fought back to earn a share of the spoils.

On a day when FUFA had announced plans to honour former captain Khalid Aucho, the midfielder was an unused substitute, watching proceedings from the bench.

Uganda started on the front foot, pushing for an early breakthrough, but Botswana’s defence remained composed under pressure.

The hosts eventually found the opener in the eighth minute through James Bogere, who capitalised on a defensive error before curling the ball into the back of the net.

However, Botswana restored parity in the 30th minute through Losika Ratshukudu, who finished off a well-worked set-piece routine to bring the visitors back into the contest.

Uganda suffered another setback five minutes before the break when goalkeeper Denis Onyango was forced off with a calf injury and replaced by Kingdom Osayi.

The Cranes continued to search for a second goal after the restart, with Bogere involved in a promising opportunity in the 60th minute. The forward delayed his pass to an advancing Bobosi Byaruhanga, whose eventual effort sailed wide.

Uganda pushed forward in the closing stages in search of a winner but struggled to break down Botswana’s disciplined low block, with the visitors holding on for a valuable away point.

The result leaves Uganda top of the group with five points, while Botswana sit third with three points from three matches.