Sabah FK secured a 2-1 victory over The New Saints in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, taking a two-goal lead in the first half and holding off a late rally from the Welsh side. The Azeri team struck twice before the interval to put themselves in control.
Joy Lance Mickels opened the scoring in the 28th minute with an assist from Aaron Malouda, before Rahman Dashdamirov doubled the lead just before half-time, converting a pass from Tymoteusz Puchacz. The New Saints managed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time through Joshua Lock in the 89th minute, but it was too late to change the outcome.
Sabah FK capitalised on their first-half chances without dominating possession, while The New Saints pushed hard after the break but could not find an equaliser. The match also saw yellow cards for Ivan Lepinjica (5th minute), Rhys Hughes (48th minute), and Ryan Brobbell (72nd minute).
