Sabah took control of their UEFA Champions League clash with KuPS by finishing with a 2-0 win, and the late goal from Joy-Lance Mickels gave the result a firmer look by the end of the match.
It was a game shaped by key moments rather than a constant flow of chances. Veljko Simic opened the scoring for Sabah during the match, before Mickels added the second after being set up by Xander Severina.
Late goals settle the contest
The decisive part of the match came as Sabah found both of their goals in a result that leaves KuPS with work to do. The fourth official later announced three minutes of added time near the end, but the scoreline was already in Sabah's favour.
For KuPS, the focus now turns to recovering from a two-goal deficit. For Sabah, the win offers a clear advantage and a strong platform from the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie.
Scorers and key details
Veljko Simic put Sabah ahead, and Joy-Lance Mickels scored the second goal to complete the 2-0 victory. The assist for Mickels came from Xander Severina, rounding off a productive night for Sabah in front of goal.
The match also featured substitutions and yellow cards as part of the flow of play, but the result was ultimately decided by Sabah's ability to strike at the right times.
