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Rapids’ Micheal Azira starts in Uganda’s African Cup of Nations opener

PORT-GENTIL, Gabon — Colorado Rapids midfielder Micheal Azira got the start and played 77 minutes for Uganda on Tuesday in his nation’s first African Cup of Nations appearance in 39 years.

Andre Ayew scored a penalty as Ghana beat Uganda 1-0 on Tuesday in a lackluster opening to the four-time champions’ bid for a first African Cup of Nations title in 35 years.

The West Ham winger netted in the 32nd minute of the Group D game after Asamoah Gyan was held back by Isaac Isinde in the penalty area in Port-Gentil.

Avram Grant, a former Chelsea manager, is looking to lead Ghana to a second successive final but go better than 2015 when his team lost to Ivory Coast.