Yanga suffer blow as Aucho departs, complete Conte deal

Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania Premier League champions Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga) have suffered a significant blow following reports that their long-serving defensive midfielder, Khalid Aucho, will not renew his contract ahead of the upcoming league season.

Aucho, who joined Yanga in August 2021, has played an integral role in the club’s recent dominance of Tanzanian football.

Over the past four seasons, his commanding presence in the holding midfield position has been crucial in Yanga’s success.

The club secured four consecutive Premier League titles during his tenure, establishing themselves as the top team in the country.

Beyond domestic league triumphs, Aucho, who also captains the Uganda national team, was instrumental in Yanga’s Federation Cup victories and their historic run to the final of the CAF Confederation Cup during the 2022/2023 season — a milestone that elevated the club’s reputation across the continent.

However, a reliable source within the club has revealed that contract renewal negotiations between the two parties reached a deadlock.

According to the source, Yanga offered Aucho a one-year extension, but the Ugandan midfielder was seeking a two-year deal — a demand the club management was not willing to meet.

"Aucho was not satisfied with the one-year contract we offered him. He wanted a longer commitment, but we could not reach an agreement," said a senior club official who preferred anonymity.

The source added that Aucho has received a lucrative offer from a club in Israel and is expected to leave Tanzania soon.

He is set to reunite with former Yanga striker Kennedy Musonda, whose contract also expired at the end of the previous season.

 “We respect Aucho’s decision. He informed us about an attractive opportunity abroad, and we decided to let him go. It’s part of football,” the official stated.

Yanga have already moved swiftly to fill the void left by Aucho. On Wednesday, they confirmed the signing of Guinean midfielder Balla Moussa Conté from Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.

 Conté is expected to bring strength and stability to the midfield as Yanga prepare for another demanding campaign both domestically and in CAF interclub competitions.

In addition to Conté, Yanga have also secured the services of Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Doumbia.

The 25-year-old, who last played for Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic’s top-flight league, is already in Tanzania and is set to join the team’s pre-season training camp later this month.

 Doumbia is known for his creativity, technical flair, and vision. He possesses strong dribbling and playmaking abilities, which make him a valuable asset for Yanga’s evolving midfield setup.

His arrival is expected to add depth and attacking versatility to the team’s roster. Yanga’s management has remained active in the transfer market, aiming to strengthen the squad and maintain the momentum from last season’s multiple trophy haul.

The club is targeting further success in the upcoming season, with high ambitions both in the local league and on the continental stage