Sabah 2-0 The New Saints: TNS fall to Champions League defeat in Azerbaijan

The New Saints’ Champions League hopes are on a knife edge after they were beaten 2-0 by Sabah in the first leg of the first qualifying round in Azerbaijan.

Veljko Simic and Kaheem Parris struck in the second half for the hosts, who dominated the game in Baku.

Saints, Cymru Premier champions for the 18th time last season, were penned back in their half for most of the game.

The sides meet in the second leg at Park Hall on Tuesday, 14 July (18:30 BST).

Sabah, who won the Azerbaijan title for the first time last season, dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on numerous chances.

Tymoteusz Puchacz, Joy-Lance Mickels, Simic and Aaron Malouda were all wasteful in front of goal.

Saints’ best opportunity in a first half of few chances fell to midfielder Leo Smith, whose shot from Dominic Corness’ corner was blocked.

The second half resumed with the hosts on the front foot as they bid to unlock Saints’ defence, which had been well organised and disciplined.

Malouda – son of former Chelsea and France winger Florent – cut inside and unleashed a curling shot which flew over the crossbar.

But a minute later Sabah broke the deadlock when Simic sent a powerful header past Saints keeper Nathan Shepperd from Puchacz’s corner.

Simic turned provider for Sabah’s second goal six minutes from time when he played the ball into the path of Parris to slot home.