Analysis The numbers behind the result
Sabah FA edge TNS with superior shot conversion
The New Saints were narrowly outdone by Sabah FA despite a closely contested match, with the visitors' clinical finishing proving decisive. Sabah FA converted 2 of their 6 shots on target, while TNS managed just 1 from 4, reflecting a sharper edge in the final third. Sabah's early dominance told, with Joy Lance Mickels opening the scoring in the 28th minute via Aaron Malouda's assist, before Rəhman Daşdəmirov doubled the lead just before half-time, assisted by Tymoteusz Puchacz.
Possession was evenly split (54% to 46%), but Sabah's slightly higher shot volume (12 total to TNS's 10) and better on-target ratio (50% vs 40%) underscored their efficiency. TNS rallied late with Josh Lock's 89th-minute strike, but Sabah's first-half precision—scoring twice from 3 first-half shots on target—left the hosts chasing the game. The key stat: Sabah's 2 goals from 1.4 xG (estimated) outperformed TNS's 1 from 1.1, highlighting their superior conversion when it mattered.