360Sports Malta Premier.
National Stadium, Ta’ Qali
Balzan FC………..0
Floriana FC………0
Balzan’s solid start under Andrew Cohen continued as they secured a valuable point with a resilient defensive display in a 0-0 draw against Floriana. Despite the Greens dominating possession, Balzan executed their game plan perfectly to frustrate their opponents and come away with a hard-earned result.
Tactical Adjustments and Early Chances
Floriana coach Darren Abdilla made two changes from the side that defeated Marsaxlokk, with Elvis Mashike and Fernando Junior replacing Jake Grech and Zachary Scerri. Meanwhile, Andrew Cohen opted for an unchanged lineup following Balzan’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Naxxar.
The first real threat came in the ninth minute when Carlo Zammit Lonardelli delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but neither Mashike nor Franklin Sasere could connect. Floriana had to wait until the 30th minute for another opportunity, as Matias Garcia headed just wide from an Alexandros Kouros cross.
Balzan’s Response and Late First-Half Pressure
Balzan nearly broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Isaac Westendorf set up Udoyen Akpan, but his close-range shot was denied by Christoffer Mafoumbi. Moments later, Gonzalo Gamarra’s free-kick was kept out by Balzan goalkeeper Golovic.
Balzan continued to threaten, with Akpan forcing Mafoumbi into a strong save in the 42nd minute. The resulting corner, taken by Jan Busuttil, was also well handled by the Floriana shot-stopper.
Just before halftime, Balzan came closest to scoring when Victor Blasco struck a powerful shot from distance that hit the upright, with Akpan’s follow-up effort once again neutralized by Mafoumbi.
Second-Half Battle and Missed Opportunities
Floriana looked for a breakthrough early in the second half, as Fernandinho played in Gamarra, whose cross found Jake Grech, but he fired wide. Minutes later, substitute Gabriel Sotomayor controlled well inside the box but sent his shot over the bar.
Golovic produced a crucial save for Balzan in the 67th minute, blocking a first-time effort from Mashike following a defensive clearance. At the other end, Victor Blasco attempted a cross-shot, but Mafoumbi collected it comfortably.
Floriana pushed for a late winner, with Isaac Westendorf testing the goalkeeper from distance in the 74th minute. Golovic was again called into action in the 82nd minute, parrying a Matias Garcia cross, while Mafoumbi responded with a save from a Jan Busuttil corner two minutes later.
In the dying moments, Mashike had a final opportunity, heading just over the bar from a Jake Grech cross, but Floriana ultimately had to settle for a point.
A Well-Earned Draw for Balzan
Despite Floriana controlling the game, Balzan’s defensive discipline and counterattacking threat ensured they walked away with a well-earned draw. Cohen’s side continues to show resilience under his leadership, while Floriana will be left to rue their missed chances.
