Sabah FA Stuns The New Saints 2-1 in Champions League Qualifier

Sabah FA snatched a 2-1 victory against The New Saints in the UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Round, leaving Park Hall Stadium in stunned silence. The visitors from Azerbaijan delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing, silencing the home crowd and leaving Welsh dreams of European glory hanging by a thread.

Sabah FA’s Early Dominance

From the first whistle, Sabah FA imposed their will, and Ivan Lepinjica’s yellow card in the 5th minute was a mere blip in their ascendancy. Joy Lance Mickels opened the scoring in the 28th minute, capitalising on a slick assist from Aaron Malouda. The New Saints’ defence crumbled again just before halftime, as Rəhman Daşdəmirov doubled Sabah FA’s lead with a composed finish, assisted by Tymoteusz Puchacz.

The New Saints’ Frustration

The home side emerged from the break desperate to claw their way back into the tie, but Rhys Hughes’s yellow card in the 48th minute summed up their growing frustration. Manager Craig Harrison made a flurry of substitutions, bringing on Josh Lock in the 74th minute, and it was Lock who finally gave The New Saints a glimmer of hope with a late goal in the 89th minute. But it was too little, too late.

What This Means

Sabah FA’s victory was built on efficiency, converting 6 shots on goal into 2 crucial strikes, while The New Saints struggled to capitalize on their 10 total shots. For Sabah FA, this result is a monumental step forward in their European ambitions. For The New Saints, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, leaving them with only pride to play for in the second leg.

Key Moments

28′ ⚽ Sabah FA — Joy Lance Mickels (assist: Aaron Malouda)

42′ ⚽ Sabah FA — Rəhman Daşdəmirov (assist: Tymoteusz Puchacz)

89′ ⚽ The New Saints — Josh Lock

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.