Mickels miss a turning point as latest stop in Sabah’s odyssey ends with regret | Jamie Jackson
Forward’s spurned opportunity to level the match proved decisive in the Champions League newcomers’ loss to Manchester United Football – like much of life – can be a story of what might have been, and on 39 minutes Joy-Lance Mickels had an experience that was a sliding doors moment for the centre-forward and Sabah that may haunt a long time. Azerbaijan’s champions were trailing to Matheus Cunha’s opener when Kaheem Parris spiralled the ball up to the far post of Manchester United’s goal.
The lurking Mickels had a gilded chance, unmarked and close-in, yet when the delivery dropped, the 32-year-old snatched at his header and the ball fell wide.
Sources and context
The GuardianSource headline and summary supplied via NewsData.io. First collected by NewsJaws on 2026-09-11. This is an automated news brief, not original NewsJaws reporting. Dates reflect the source publication. Feed delays may apply.