Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda drew that one goalless and failed to qualify for the 2012 finals. Many blamed Fufa’s handling of the situation for the failure.
He was already out of the Kampala tie against Burkina Faso through suspension but Khalid Aucho’s dismissal from the Cranes camp on Friday could signal his final times in the national team.
The Egypt-based midfielder was issued a return ticket immediately after Fufa, who had flown him over with hope of him playing the final Afcon qualifying game in Malawi, deemed his refusal to board official means of transport from the airport as indiscipline.
“Khalid Aucho has been dismissed from Uganda Cranes Camp for failure to adhere to the National team Code of Conduct and Fufa Circular dated 4th March 2021,” reads in part a Fufa statement Friday night.
“Aucho refused to board the official means of transport organised to pick him from Entebbe International Airport to the team camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel-Kisasi and has not even reported to camp since his arrival in the country.
“The player’s club Misr El Makkasa and Egypt Football Association have duly been informed about the decision and a return air ticket has been issued to him for his travel back to Egypt.”
This is not the first time a Cranes personnel is being suspended on the eve of an important game.
In 2011, the now retired David Obua was expelled from camp the evening before Uganda’s final game against Kenya at Namboole.
Obua was accused by authorities of insubordination after he refused to meet Museveni when the President visited camp.
Uganda drew that one goalless and failed to qualify for the 2012 finals. Many blamed Fufa’s handling of the situation for the failure.
Ahead of the Chan finals this year, Cranes assistant coach Fred Kajoba was expelled from camp by his boss Johnny McKinstry for breaching Covid regulations.
And weeks before Aucho’s expulsion, McKinstry himself had been asked by Fufa to step aside for these upcoming two games as the FA reconsidered his time with the national team.
The decision on McKinstry followed two uninspired displays (a win and defeat to South Sudan in Afcon qualifiers) plus a disastrous outing at Chan finals in Cameroon.
