Champions League: Joy-Lance Mickels and five other Africans from Sabah face Manchester United

The Azerbaijani club will rely on a strong African presence for its historic occasion at Old Trafford

Africa Today at 06:16

Add Foot Africa on Google

Champions League: Joy-Lance Mickels and five other Africans from Sabah face Manchester United

10.09.26 15:00 Champions League

Manchester United

Sabah FK

Sabah FC will make their debut in the Champions League League Phase this Thursday against Manchester United at Old Trafford. For this first taste of European football at the highest level, the Azerbaijani club have six African players in their squad, including Rwandan forward Joy-Lance Mickels.

Joy-Lance Mickels will be one of the most closely watched African players in this fixture. The Rwandan forward has impressed since the start of Sabah’s European campaign and is expected to start against the Red Devils.

Alongside him, the Azerbaijani club have five other players from the African continent: South African international Aden McCarthy, Algerian international Akim Zedadka, Nigerians Christian Nwachukwu and Jonathan Bulus, as well as Gabonese forward Orphé Mbina.

Their presence highlights the important role played by African players in Sabah’s squad as the club prepares to take on one of the most prestigious teams in European football history.

Six Africans for a historic night

For several of these players, the fixture also represents an opportunity to shine on one of the biggest stages in world football. Mickels is expected to start, while McCarthy, Bulus and Mbina are expected to begin on the bench.

Sabah will nevertheless need to produce an upset to stand up to Manchester United on their home turf. The Azerbaijani club can count on their African contingent, particularly Mickels, as they look to spring a surprise at Old Trafford.

🚨🗣️ Joy-Lance Mickels [Sabah winger] on his feelings ahead of United after a hat-trick:

“I can't wait, I think EVERYBODY is waiting for this game and we're pleased to be in the UCL.

“We also need to PROVE now that we belong there, it’s going to be tough, but we'll try and play… pic.twitter.com/jIoYSLRAqX
— UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) September 9, 2026

This fixture is undoubtedly a major showcase for the six players. Against Manchester United, they will have the opportunity to take part in one of the most prestigious matches of their careers and help write a new chapter in the history of Azerbaijani football.