Miguel Gamondi did not need statistics or highlight reels to explain Khalid Aucho’s value.
As Uganda and Tanzania prepare for a decisive Group C clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Taifa Stars head coach chose to spotlight the kind of work that rarely makes headlines, using the Uganda Cranes captain as his example.
“For me, Khalid Aucho, your captain, is one of the greatest players,” Gamondi said.
“But he’s always an underwriter. The job he does on the pitch is unbelievable. He doesn’t score goals or take free kicks, but he manages matches, makes sure the scorer can score or the goalkeeper can save.”
It was praise shaped by familiarity. Gamondi coached Aucho at Young Africans in the 2023–24 season and again at Singida Black Stars in 2025.
Now Uganda’s captain and a key figure in Tanzania’s league, Aucho sits at the centre of Saturday’s East African derby, a player who understands both sides of the rivalry.
As Uganda head into their second AFCON match, Aucho’s knowledge of Tanzanian football is seen as an advantage.
Alongside Steven Mukwala of Simba, he is among the few Cranes players based in Tanzania, offering insight into opponents drawn largely from the local league. Yet for Gamondi, Aucho’s true value lies beyond tactics.
“You sometimes see criticism,” Gamondi noted. “But you don’t see the job he does, for midfielders, for central defenders. It’s great work and people don’t always notice it.”
In a tournament driven by goals and big moments, Aucho’s role is quieter but crucial. Gamondi called him “one of the most competitive midfielders I’ve ever trained,” a leader whose influence is felt even in his absence.
“He’s a good man, very positive. When he plays and when he doesn’t, you can see his impact.”
The Tanzanian coach even looked beyond club and country. “I don’t know much about Uganda’s football history,” he admitted, “but I think he’s one of the greatest players in the country.”
Those words carry weight ahead of a match that could shape Group C. Both teams arrive at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat without a point.
Uganda were outplayed for long spells in a 3–1 loss to Tunisia, while Tanzania pushed Nigeria before falling 2–1.
With Nigeria and Tunisia facing each other elsewhere in the group, Saturday’s derby feels pivotal.
On Uganda’s side, it is a chance to steady their campaign for Tanzania, an opportunity to turn promise into points.
AFCON 2025 | Group C | Saturday December 27
- Uganda Vs Tanzania – 20:30
