Colorado Rapids midfielder Michael Azira made his senior national team debut for the Uganda Cranes on Saturday November 12th during a 1-0 win over Congo Brazzaville in a worldcup qualifier at Namboole.
The 29 year old featured for about 30 minutes after coming in as a substitute.
“It was a big thing for me,” Azira recently told club media in an extensive interview.
“I have been involved since 2013 but, finally, it came so I have just to enjoy it. It was a good experience to play for my country and make my debut with my friends.”
“The coach put me in for the final 30 minutes. I enjoyed myself, we got the result and I was able to get my first cap.”
Azira scored 60% in ChimpSport’s player rating after the match.
“It was was really intense. There was nervousness but I also thought that this was my chance. He asked me to do certain things and I had to execute those instructions. We were winning 1-0 so it was about closing down the game and taking care of the ball. I was playing in an advanced role and towards the end, I was more in a holding role.”
Azira is among the 40 players who were named in the final provisional squad for Afcon on Wednesday morning and the midfielder equally believes the team can match up the task.
“We have a tough group – Egypt, Ghana and Mali. But we have a band of guys who work for each other. Everyone is trying to support the team. It is big for the country and it can do a lot of good both for the nation and for the players.”
The midfielder started his senior playing career at Mississippi Brilla in 2010 before moving to third division side Charleston Battery in 2012 for two years and later moved to MLS side Seattle Sounders FC at the beginning of the end of 2015.