Khalid Aucho: Leading Uganda's Charge to AFCON 2025
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Loading... - Bupe Ramadhani
- 15 Nov 2024
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Khalid Aucho, a seasoned midfielder for the Uganda Cranes and Yanga Africans, is on the brink of a significant milestone in his football career as he prepares to lead Uganda to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. This opportunity represents not just a personal achievement but a full-circle moment for Aucho, who has built his legacy on passion, persistence, and resilience.
At 31 years old, Aucho has accumulated a wealth of experience across various clubs and competitions. His football journey has taken him from Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) to clubs in Kenya, South Africa, Serbia, India, and Egypt, before settling in Tanzania with Yanga. His extensive continental mileage has equipped him with invaluable insights and resilience, which he now aims to impart to a new generation of players.
As one of the only players in the current squad to have participated in two previous AFCON tournaments (Gabon 2017 and Egypt 2019), Aucho's experience is unmatched. He is not only a steady fulcrum for the Cranes but also a mentor to younger teammates, guiding them through the pressures of high-stakes matches. Currently, Uganda tops Group K with 10 points, needing just one more point to secure their place in AFCON after missing the last two editions.
For Aucho, captaining Uganda to Morocco 2025 would be a dream come true. “It would mean a great deal for me,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of this opportunity. His determination to succeed is fueled by his past experiences at AFCON, and he is committed to working hard alongside his teammates to achieve qualification.
As Uganda prepares to face South Africa in a crucial qualifier, Aucho acknowledges the challenge ahead. “South Africa is one of the best teams in Africa, and we respect them,” he said. However, he remains focused on the team's goal: securing three points in the upcoming match. The stakes are high, as South Africa must collect points to guarantee their qualification, making this clash even more critical.
Born in Jinja, Uganda, Aucho's journey has been marked by dedication and hard work. As he approaches his 11th year with the national team, leading Uganda to AFCON 2025 would not only be a personal triumph but also a significant moment in Ugandan football history. His leadership, experience, and mentorship will be crucial as the Cranes aim to make their mark on the continental stage once again.
Fact File
- Name: Khalid Aucho
- DOB: August 8, 1993
- Place of Birth: Jinja, Uganda
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Current Club: Yanga Africans (Tanzania, since 2021)
- Former Clubs: Jinja Municipal, Water, Simba (UPDF), Tusker, Gor Mahia (Kenya), Baroka (South Africa), Red Star Belgrade (loan to OFK Beograd, Serbia), East Bengal, Churchill Brothers (India), Makkasa (Egypt)
- National Team: Uganda since 2013
Uganda Cranes Squad Overview
- Goalkeepers: Ismail Watenga, Nafian Alionzi, Charles Lukwago, Mutwalibi Mugolofa
- Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Semakula, Isaac Muleme, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Geoffrey Wasswa, Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Awany, Halidi Lwaliwa
- Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Saidi Mayanja
- Forwards: Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Shafik Kwikiriza, Rogers Mato, Steven Mukwala, Calvin Kabuye, Hakim Kiwanuka, John Paul Dembe
As the Cranes gear up for their decisive match against South Africa, all eyes will be on Aucho to lead his team to victory and secure their place in AFCON 2025.
