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Saints down but not out, insists boss Harrison
Western Mail
|July 09, 2026
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.
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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 next Tuesday.
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.
This story is from the July 09, 2026 edition of Western Mail.
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