Even with a 1-0 lead from home, the Saints knew they would face a tough test in the heat of the Azerbaijani capital, backed by a 12-man travelling support. But once again, Sabah’s indiscipline – they had a man sent off in the first half in both games – and the Saints’ own attacking nature saw them level the score, an own goal in the 47th minute when Jake Mulraney’s clever cross was deflected in by a Sabah defender following an effort from Zack Elbouzedi.
Pat now awaits the outcome of tonight’s third round clash between Istanbul Basaksehir and Georgian Iberia in Turkey, but they play the first leg at home next week. Given their impressive performance against Sabah and the rise of players such as Romal Palmer, Jake Mulraney, Elbouzedi and Jamie Lennon on the European stage, they will be confident going into the match.
Kenny's team were the underdogs in the match, given the huge investment in a Sabah team with six internationals in their squad. However, they were better in the first leg, then calm and collected under pressure and deserve a longer stay in Europe, with qualification for the group stage if they win the play-off round.
However, they had to work hard for victory and progression, as it looked dangerous in the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Joseph Anang needed time to orient himself and in the 18th minute he came out of his goal to block the way for Slovakian striker Pavol Safranko.
Kaheem Parris, who played for Jamaica at senior level, had a couple of shots that caused concern but the game turned in the 27th minute when Sabah were reduced to 10 men, a straight red card for Soufiane Chalka for a professional foul on Romal Palmer. That put Sabah off course and Pat's looked the stronger as the half wore on, Mason Melia with a try in the 36th minute, although Pat's needed their impressive Swedish full-back Axel Sjoberg to stop Joy-Lance Mickels in first half injury time.
Sabah needed a strong response in the second half but they gave the initiative and the equalizer to the away side. Mulraney, a player whose career has been revived by Kenny, hit a free kick that Melia and Elbouzedi asked for. Elbouzedi looked to connect with the ball but it went off Rahman Dashdamirov and past the keeper.
Pat refused to wilt in the heat and instead of holding on to the lead pressed for more chances from Palmer and Chris Forrester while substitute Kian Leavy made an impact, a fine effort from him in the 88th minute forcing a save from goalkeeper Yusif Imanov. They had no trouble sitting out the game against a highly-resourced team from oil-rich Azerbaijan, only the second time in the Saints’ European history that they have won both games.
FC Sabah – Imanov; Seydiyev, Chakla, Irazabal, Letic; Khaybulayev (Dashmadirov 30), Camalov (Nuriev 78); Parris (Alasgarov 58), Sekidka (Seyidov 78), Mickels; Safranko (Aliyev 58).
Saint Pats – Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Grivosti, Breslin; Lennon, Forrester (Bolger 73); Mulraney (Leavy 78), Palmer (Kazeem 90), Elbouzedi (McClelland 90); Melia (Keena 73).
Referee – M Birsan (Romania)