Mosta delivered a dominant performance to upset Marsaxlokk with a resounding 3-0 victory in the Meridianbet FA Trophy Round of 32. The Southerners, still reeling from a 6-1 league thrashing by Ħamrun Spartans, struggled defensively, allowing Mosta to cruise into the last 16.
Despite Marsaxlokk’s bright start, which saw Jake Ghio narrowly miss with a powerful drive, Mosta struck first after a costly error by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Marko Drobnjak. The Montenegrin failed to control a backpass, allowing Mosta’s Joshua Agyemang to dispossess him, forcing Drobnjak to bring down the striker. Clayton Failla converted the resulting penalty in the 7th minute to give Mosta an early lead.
Marsaxlokk had chances to equalize, notably through Enmy Peña Beltre’s dangerous cross and a close-range effort saved brilliantly by Mosta goalkeeper Uchenna Akpan. Akpan was instrumental throughout the match, denying Marsaxlokk multiple times, including a spectacular save from Nikolai Muscat’s shot early in the second half.
The turning point came in the 58th minute when Duvan Torres fouled Zachary Brincat in the box, gifting Mosta another penalty. Failla once again stepped up and confidently doubled Mosta’s lead.
Mosta sealed the victory in the 72nd minute with a sensational strike by Giancarlo Goncalves. Breaking free, Goncalves unleashed a powerful drive that substitute goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona could not stop.
Akpan ensured Mosta’s clean sheet with a stunning one-handed save to deny Jai Quitongo late in the game.
Marsaxlokk’s lack of clinical finishing and defensive frailties proved costly as Mosta capitalized on every opportunity to secure their place in the next round.
Full-Time Score:
Marsaxlokk 0-3 Mosta
Goals:
• Clayton Failla 6’ (pen), 58’ (pen)
• Giancarlo Goncalves 72’
Lineups:
Marsaxlokk: M. Drobnjak (46’ M. Calleja Cremona), K. Micallef (46’ D. Torres), N. Muscat, J. Ghio (77’ J. Walker), Y. Messias, M. Adamec, J. Quitongo, E. Lopez, A. De Aguiar, E. Peña Beltre, L. Aguirre.
Mosta: U. Akpan, P. Afriyie, S. Cachia, L. Coulibaly (62’ J. Victor), G. Goncalves, C. Failla, N. Agius, J. Agyemang (77’ A. Babatola), Joao Victor, J. Vassallo (84’ B. Farrugia), Z. Brincat (64’ S. Okereke).
Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Yellow Cards: Drobnjak, Afriyie, Coulibaly, Walker, Vassallo, Aguirre
