Read the full match report as Sabah secure a historic 2-0 win against Slavia Praha in the UEFA Champions League with goals from Parris and Mickels in Baku.
Sabah make history with a stunning 2-0 win over Slavia Praha in Baku
Sabah wrote a golden chapter in their club history by securing a famous 2-0 victory against Czech heavyweights Slavia Praha on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League at the Baku Olympic Stadium. Valdas Dambrauskas’ side produced a disciplined and energetic display to bounce back from their opening defeat, claiming their first-ever points and victory in Europe’s premier club competition. Second-half goals from Kaheem Parris and Joy-Lance Mickels sent the home fans into raptures.
Parris breaks through after early VAR drama
The match began with high tension as both sides fought for control in midfield. Sabah thought they had drawn first blood in the 17th minute when Kaheem Parris slotted the ball home, but a lengthy VAR review intervened and disallowed the opening strike for offside. Slavia Praha responded by testing the Azerbaijani defense, with Tomáš Chorý coming close before defender Steve Solvet made a heroic goal-line clearance to keep the score level.
Undeterred by the disallowed goal, Sabah maintained their tactical discipline after the break. Just four minutes into the second half, Parris finally got his legitimate goal in the 49th minute, latching onto a swift attacking move to fire past the goalkeeper and spark wild celebrations in Baku. See also:Â Sporting CP Secured 2-0 Away Win Against Lens
Mickels seals a landmark European triumph
Armed with a slender lead, Sabah absorbed heavy pressure as Slavia Praha pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer. The Czech visitors dominated possession for spells, and Akim Zedadka had to be alert to make another crucial clearance off the line late in the game to deny Slavia.
With the visitors throwing everything forward, Sabah exploited the open spaces on the counter-attack. In the 88th minute, Joy-Lance Mickels pounced on an opportunity, finishing clinically into an unguarded net to seal a historic 2-0 victory. The final whistle confirmed a landmark night for Sabah on the continental stage.