Aucho, Gift Fred bolster Young Africans squad ahead of crucial CAF CL test

Following the conclusion of the intense 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where some nations emerged triumphant while others faced disappointment, attention now turns to the realm of club football.

Ugandan talents Khalid Aucho and Gift Fred are among the players who experienced heartbreak after the Cranes' unsuccessful bid for the 2023 AFCON qualification. 

Nonetheless, both players have managed to move forward and refocus on their club commitments.

Aucho admirably led the Cranes during their impressive 2-0 victory over Niger in Morocco. However, Tanzania's goalless draw against Algeria resulted in the Cranes finishing third, just one point behind the second-placed Taifa Stars, who secured their qualification alongside Algeria.

The return of Gift and Aucho to the squad comes at a perfect time as Young Africans gear up to face Sudanese outfit Al Merrikh in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. 

The first leg will take place this Saturday at the King Pele Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Under the guidance of Angel Miguel Gamondi, the team dominated Djibouti ASAS in the first preliminary round, triumphing with an impressive 7-1 aggregate score. Both legs were held at the Chamanzi complex in Dar-es-Salaam.

As the runners-up of the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup, Young Africans are determined to secure a spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League group stage, a feat they have not accomplished since 1998.

The formidable 'Tiimu ya Wanainchi' has commenced their domestic campaign in style, triumphing in their first two matches of the NBC Premier League.

With their sights set on replicating their successful continental journey from 2022, Young Africans aim to make their mark once again as they progress through the group stages.