Micheal Azira wrapped up his first Africa Cup of Nations with a brief appearance in Uganda’s final group game of the 2017 tournament in Gabon.
The Rapids midfielder entered the contest as a stoppage-time substitute, with the match against Mali tied at 1-1. Azira replaced Khalid Aucho. The match, played on a waterlogged pitch, ended 1-1.
It means Uganda finish with one point from their three group games. They were unable to reach the knockout stages going into the match on Wednesday, having lost the first two games, both by a 1-0 scoreline, to Ghana and Egypt. Egypt progress as group winners, with Ghana going through as runner-up.
Azira made his tournament debut in Uganda’s opening game, against Ghana, but was replaced at halftime. He did not see any playing time in the previous outing, against Egypt.
This was the first time that Uganda had qualified for the Nations Cup, since losing the 1978 final to Ghana.
