Hapoel Be’er Sheva secures vital win against Sabah in Champions League qualifier

Hapoel Be'er Sheva moved closer to a historic Champions League group stage appearance after a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan's Sabah in their first-leg qualifier held in Bucharest. Despite an early setback when Veljko Simic scored for Sabah in the 6th minute, the Israeli side maintained composure. Javon East leveled the score in the 43rd minute following a scramble in the box. In the second half, Igor Zlatanovic secured the win in the 79th minute, rising above the defense to head home an Eliel Peretz corner. Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano was instrumental in the result, producing a crucial save to deny Orphe Mbina. Be'er Sheva now heads to Azerbaijan for the return leg with a one-goal advantage, needing only a draw to seal their place in the next stage.