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What’s the story?
East Bengal have acquired the services of Ugandan midfielder Aucho Khalid ahead of the Super Cup. The completion of the two-year contract took place just in time before the India Super Cup registration deadline (Wednesday, March 21, 2018).
The 24-year-old playmaker will wear the number five shirt at East Bengal, as the club’s preparations for the Super Cup are in full swing.
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In June 2016, Aucho put a magnificent bicycle kick into the back of the net from his own penalty box in a 2-1 away victory against Botswana in a qualifying game for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He was then was called up by head coach Milutin Sredojević to the Uganda national football team camp to be a part of the squad for the 2017 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, though he missed the first match against Ghana in January 2017 due to suspension.
The heart of the matter
The former Gor Mahia footballer’s Ugandan-based representative, Ronnie Santos, revealed to the media that his client was required to land in the country in order to sign the essential documents prior to the official presentation of the player, well in time for the India Super Cup registration deadline (Wednesday, 21st March 2018).
“He (Aucho Khalid) travelled well to India and has been unveiled today (Tuesday, 20th March 2018). The technical personnel at the national team are well aware of his travel including the head coach (Sebastien Desabre). He (Khalid) regrets missing the first training sessions with the new national team coach and the teammates at large but will remain proudly available for selection to serve Uganda with passion,” said Santos.
Due to his travel commitments, Khalid will have to miss out on the previously planned international friendly matches that are being held for Uganda Cranes at home as their newly appointed manager, Sebastien Desabre, takes charge of the team.
What’s next?
With the Hero Super Cup inching closer, East Bengal will be looking to come out triumphant after missing out on winning the I-League to Minerva Punjab. EB finished their season at fourth place while arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan finished one place ahead of them by a goal difference of just one point.
The Super Cup will be a great opportunity for the Red and Gold’s to prove themselves as the top teams from both, I-League and the Indian Super League (ISL) will contest for the prize.
Author’s take
It should be an interesting journey for Aucho Khalid with East Bengal as he joins his fellow countrymen, playing with different clubs in India (midfielder Kezironi Kizito who is currently playing for Kerala Blasters, Musa Mudde and striker Henry Kisekka who are employed by Gokulam Kerala). It will be great fun to watch him repeat that overhead kick here in India and guide his new club towards glory.
