Sabah FK reach Champions League league phase after extra-time comeback

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy and Sabah FK secured their place in the UEFA Champions League league phase after overturning a first-leg deficit in a remarkable 5-2 extra-time victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva, the Israeli Premier League champions, had taken a 2-1 advantage into the second leg and strengthened their position when Igor Zlatanovic opened the scoring after 10 minutes.

Sabah FK responded before half-time, with Christian Nwachukwu restoring parity after 38 minutes. The result left the tie level on the night, but Hapoel Be’er Sheva remained ahead 3-2 on aggregate.

The visitors appeared to have moved closer to qualification when Guy Mizrahi scored in the 61st minute. His goal put Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1 ahead on the night and 4-2 in front overall, leaving Sabah FK needing a significant response to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

That fightback began when Umarali Rakhmonaliev scored after 74 minutes to reduce the deficit on the night. Sabah FK then completed their comeback deep into stoppage time, as Teller Mutallimov struck in the 94th minute to make it 3-2 and force extra-time.

McCarthy, who previously played for Kaizer Chiefs, had entered the match as a substitute in the 91st minute. He was therefore on the field as Sabah FK took control during the additional period.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s task became even more difficult when Djibril Diop was sent off in the 100th minute, reducing the visitors to 10 players.

Sabah FK took advantage almost immediately. Patrick Orphan M’Bina scored in the 101st minute to put the hosts 4-2 ahead on the night and 5-4 in front on aggregate.

Joy Lance Mickels then delivered the decisive moment in the 115th minute, adding Sabah FK’s fifth goal and completing a seven-goal contest.

The result gave Sabah FK a 6-4 aggregate victory and confirmed their place in the UEFA Champions League league phase. Their progression came after a match in which Hapoel Be’er Sheva had twice held the advantage on the night, only for Sabah FK to score three times after the 74th minute and turn the tie around in extra-time.

McCarthy’s appearance began with his introduction in the final minute of normal time, before Sabah FK’s late scoring surge carried them through to the next stage of European football.