Sabah FA vs The New Saints

The 77th-minute double substitution was the moment the game swung decisively. Before that, TNS — who had started the second half positively — were still within reach at 1-0. The introduction of Severina and Parris injected fresh energy into Sabah's attack, and the second goal came barely seven minutes later. The visitors had no response.

Veljko Simić (Sabah FA) — The Serbian striker scored the opening goal with a well-timed header and turned provider for the second. His all-round hold-up play kept TNS defenders occupied throughout. Clear player of the match.

Kaheem Parris (Sabah FA) — Introduced from the bench in the 77th minute, the Jamaican winger needed only seven minutes to make the game safe with a composed finish. His pace and direct running stretched the tiring TNS defence.

Tymoteusz Puchacz (Sabah FA) — The Polish left-back delivered the assist for the opener and was a constant attacking outlet down the flank, completing several crosses into dangerous areas.

Niall Shepperd (The New Saints) — The TNS goalkeeper made a handful of saves to keep the scoreline respectable, particularly in the first half when he denied Joy-Lance Mickels from close range.

Sabah's second-half dominance was the story of the match. After a balanced first period, the hosts overwhelmed TNS after the interval. Sabah's finishing was efficient — two goals from their efforts on target — while TNS failed to register a single shot on target across the 90 minutes, a statistic that underscores their lack of a cutting edge in the final third.

Sabah FA take a two-goal lead into the second leg of this first qualifying round tie, which will be played at The New Saints' home ground — Park Hall in Oswestry — on 14 July 2026. The Azerbaijani side need only to avoid defeat by two clear goals to progress to the second qualifying round.

For The New Saints, the task is steep but not unprecedented. Craig Harrison's side will need to win by at least two goals to force extra time, or by three to progress directly. The absence of an away goal in Baku leaves them with everything to do.

Sabah were the sharper, more purposeful side after the break and deserved their win. The margin could have been wider but for Shepperd's resistance. TNS will need a significant improvement in the final third to overturn the deficit in the second leg. The tie is not over, but the momentum sits firmly with the Azerbaijani side.