Kaheem Parris opened the scoring shortly after half-time, before Joy-Lance Mickels sealed a historic victory late in the match. The result rewarded Sabah’s persistence and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov, who repeatedly denied the Czech visitors an equaliser.
Parris breaks the deadlock
Sabah started with attacking intent and thought they had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Parris curled the ball into the far corner. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside.
Slavia gradually found their rhythm and threatened through Tomáš Chorý, while David Zima and his team-mates helped the visitors create opportunities of their own.
Steve Solvet produced an important goal-line intervention to keep Slavia from scoring, while another promising attacking move ended without a goal. Despite those opportunities, neither side found the net before the interval.
Sabah returned from half-time determined to turn their pressure into a breakthrough, and they did so in the 49th minute. Ivan Lepinjica helped win possession and then delivered the cut-back that allowed Parris to finish from inside the penalty area.
The goal was significant for both the match and the club’s European history, giving Sabah their first goal in the Champions League league phase.
Pokatilov keeps Slavia at bay
Slavia responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Lukáš Provod and Chorý threatened the Sabah goal, but Pokatilov produced crucial saves to protect his side’s advantage.
The goalkeeper’s composure proved especially important as the visitors increased the pressure in the closing stages. Sabah’s defenders also worked hard to block efforts and limit Slavia’s clear opportunities.
Although Slavia continued to search for a way back into the contest, Sabah remained dangerous whenever they found space to counterattack.
Mickels seals a historic win
Sabah finally put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute following a costly mistake by Slavia goalkeeper Jakub Markovič.
Markovič came out of his goal but lost control of the situation, leaving the goal exposed. Mickels took advantage, sending the ball towards the unguarded net from long range. David Moses attempted to intervene but could not prevent it from crossing the line.
The late strike confirmed a memorable 2–0 victory for Sabah and sparked celebrations among the home supporters.
What the result means
The victory marked a major milestone for Sabah FK in European football. Their disciplined defensive display, clinical finishing after the break and Pokatilov’s decisive saves helped them overcome a Slavia side that created chances but failed to convert them.
For Slavia Prague, the defeat extended their difficult run in the Champions League league phase and left them searching for a response in their next European fixture.
Sabah will take confidence from a performance that combined resilience with decisive moments in front of goal.
Match details
• Competition: UEFA Champions League, league phase
• Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
• Venue: Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan
• Half-time score: Sabah FK 0–0 Slavia Prague
• Full-time score: Sabah FK 2–0 Slavia Prague
Goalscorers
• Sabah FK: Kaheem Parris 49', Joy-Lance Mickels 88'
• Slavia Prague: No goals