Rwandan forward Mickels set for historic Champions League appearance against Man Utd

Joy-Lance Mickels is preparing for a landmark night in his career when Sabah face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The 32-year-old Rwanda international, who grew up supporting United, is expected to lead the line for the Azerbaijani club in their opening Champions League league-phase fixture, scheduled for 20:00 pm BST.

Mickels has followed the Red Devils since he was a youngster and admits the prospect of playing at their famous home is a dream come true.

“I watch every [Man Utd] game when I can,” he told the BBC World Service.

“It was the best draw we [Sabah] got in my opinion. It makes it even better because we’re going to play in Old Trafford.

“Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it will be a proud moment to step out on to the pitch.”

The forward is enjoying his second spell with Sabah, who are based in Masazir, roughly 16km (10 miles) north-west of Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku.

His contribution has been crucial in the club’s remarkable run to the main stage of Europe’s premier club competition.

Sabah, founded only nine years ago, came through four two-legged qualifying rounds, with Mickels finding the net four times during their journey.

His most important goal came against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, when he scored the effort that completed Sabah’s 6-4 aggregate victory over the Israeli side. The tie had gone into extra time after a 94th-minute goal.

“Reaching the Champions League is an historic achievement for Sabah and starting the league phase at Old Trafford makes it even more exciting,” Mickels said.

“At the same time, we’re not going there only to enjoy the atmosphere. We want to compete to represent not only our club but Azerbaijan in the best possible way and show we deserve to be there.”

Mickels ready to make Rwanda history

Mickels’ appearance against United will carry significance beyond Sabah.

Born and brought up in Germany, the attacker began his career in the country’s lower divisions before gaining experience in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

His first spell with Sabah lasted from 2021 to 2023 before he returned to the club’s Bank Respublika Arena two years ago.

Reflecting on his career, Mickels acknowledged that his route to the Champions League has been far from straightforward.

“My career has not always followed a straight or easy path,” he explained.

“I have played at different levels and in several countries. But every experience has helped me grow both as a footballer and as a person.”

Through his parents, Mickels is eligible to play for Rwanda. He made his international debut for the Wasps in March and is now on course to become the first player from the East African country to appear in the Champions League proper.

“I’m very proud of my Rwandan roots,” he said.

“Representing Rwanda whilst playing the Champions League is very, very special.

“I hope my journey can help inspire young Rwandan players and show them that with belief, hard work and patience, it is possible to reach the pinnacle of football.”

Sabah face a series of European giants

United will only be the beginning of Sabah’s demanding Champions League adventure.

Following their opening match in Manchester, the Azerbaijani champions are scheduled to host former European champions Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.

However, Sabah’s home venue does not satisfy UEFA’s requirements, meaning those matches are expected to be played at Baku’s Olympic Stadium.

The club will also return to England for their final league-phase fixture, where they will take on reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

For Mickels, facing such prestigious opposition represents an opportunity for Sabah to measure themselves against Europe’s best.

“Every match in the Champions League is special because you are competing against some of the best teams and players in Europe,” Mickels said.

“Of course, Manchester United and Barcelona immediately stood out because of their history and global reputation.

“Playing at Old Trafford and welcoming Barcelona to Baku are the kinds of occasions every footballer dreams about. But we should respect every opponent and each match will be an opportunity for us to test ourselves at the highest level.”

Belief despite underdog status

Mickels played a major part in Sabah’s domestic success last season, scoring 19 goals as the club secured its first league championship.

Despite their lack of Champions League experience compared with their opponents, he believes Sabah can compete rather than simply treat the campaign as a celebration.

He described qualification for the league phase as “a historic opportunity”.

“We want to be competitive in every match and demonstrate the qualities that brought us this far,” he added.

“We know that the level will be extremely high, but we believe in ourselves and the strength of our team. We want to gain valuable experience, create memorable moments for our supporters and earn as many points as possible.”

Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas has also taken an unusual route to the Champions League, having used money he won on the Lithuanian edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to help launch his football career.

For Mickels and his team-mates, however, simply reaching the league phase is not enough.

“We want to make the most of it whilst enjoying the challenge and continuing to grow as a team.

“We want to go out with some points and we’re going to make it difficult for everybody to get points on us. This is the target.” He said.