The Rwandan eyeing Champions League history against Man Utd
September 9, 2026 14:41
Joy-Lance Mickels, a 32-year-old forward who represents Rwanda, is due to feature for Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford in the opening group-stage match of this season’s Champions League (kick-off 20:00 BST). The former lower-league German player is widely reported to be expected to lead the line for Sabah as they make their first appearance in the competition proper.
Sabah reached the group stage by winning four successive two-legged qualifying ties, with Mickels contributing four goals during that run — including a late strike that confirmed their play-off success over Hapoel Be’er Sheva. He qualifies for Rwanda through his parents and made his international debut in March.
KEY CONTEXT
- Sabah were founded nine years ago and are based in Masazir, about 16km north-west of Baku.
- Mickels previously had spells in Germany’s lower leagues and has played in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia; he had an earlier stint with Sabah between 2021 and 2023 and returned to the club two years ago.
- The club’s group-stage schedule includes high-profile home opponents such as Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, and an away match at Arsenal. Because Sabah’s regular ground does not meet Uefa requirements, their European home fixtures are expected to be staged at the Olympic Stadium in Baku.
WHY IT MATTERS
- If Mickels takes the field at Old Trafford, he would become the first player from Rwanda to play in the Champions League proper, a milestone for Rwandan football and for Sabah’s debut at this level.
- His goals in every qualifying round underpinned Sabah’s unlikely progression into the group stage, highlighting his direct impact on the club reaching Europe’s top competition.
- The tie at Old Trafford — and subsequent fixtures against established European clubs — offers Sabah and Azerbaijani football broader exposure on a major continental stage.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Mickels is confirmed in the starting lineup at Old Trafford (reports say he is expected to start).
- Whether he will indeed become the first Rwandan to appear in the Champions League proper once matchday selections are final.
- Where Sabah will host their group-stage home matches if Uefa requirements remain unmet (the Olympic Stadium in Baku is the expected alternative).
- How Sabah cope with a schedule including Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Arsenal.
KEY FACTS
- Joy-Lance Mickels is a 32-year-old Rwanda international who qualifies through his parents and debuted for Rwanda in March.
- Sabah scored through Mickels in each qualifying round and he finished qualifying with four goals.
- Sabah were founded nine years ago and are based in Masazir, roughly 16km north-west of Baku.
- Sabah’s Champions League group includes Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Arsenal.
- Sabah’s usual ground does not meet Uefa regulations; the Olympic Stadium in Baku is the expected venue for their European home ties.