Rwanda international Joy-Lance Mickels has made history after helping Sabah FK qualify for the UEFA Champions League league phase, becoming the first Rwandan player to reach the competition.
Sabah FK secured its place after a dramatic comeback against Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the final qualifying round. The Azerbaijani side won the second leg 5–2 after extra time, advancing 6–4 on aggregate.
Mickels played a key role in the victory, scoring Sabah FK’s fifth goal in the 115th minute to complete the comeback and secure qualification.
The achievement is also a historic moment for Sabah FK, which was founded in 2017 and will make its first appearance in the UEFA Champions League.
Mickels, who represents Rwanda internationally, now becomes the first Amavubi player in history to reach the UEFA Champions League.
The league-phase draw is scheduled for August 27, 2026, with the Champions League league phase set to begin on September 8.
Mickels’ historic achievement adds another important milestone to Rwanda’s growing presence in European football.
