Kouma takes over iconic No.8 shirt as Aucho’s Young Africans exit looms

Tanzanian football giants Young Africans SC have officially handed the prestigious jersey number 8 to new Malian signing Lassine Kouma, in a move that all but confirms the departure of Khalid Aucho from the club.

As previously reported, the Uganda Cranes captain will not be renewing his contract with the reigning Tanzanian champions. While Aucho was keen on a two-year extension, Yanga only tabled a one-year offer, which he declined—setting the stage for his exit.

With Kouma now unveiled as the new bearer of the No.8 shirt, the symbolic handover marks the end of an influential era for Aucho at the club.

Aucho’s contract expired at the conclusion of the previous season, and this website understands that the 30-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in Egypt and Vietnam.

The tough-tackling midfielder joined Yanga in 2021 from Egyptian outfit Misr El Makassa and quickly became the heartbeat of the team’s midfield. His leadership and consistency saw him help Yanga to four consecutive league titles, three FA Cups, and three Community Shield trophies.

Aucho also played a central role in Yanga’s historic 2023 CAF Confederation Cup final appearance, where they narrowly lost to USM Alger of Algeria.

The arrival of Kouma may usher in a new tactical direction for the club, but for many Yanga fans, Aucho’s legacy in green and yellow will remain unmatched.