360Sports Malta Premier – Closing Round first phase
FLORIANA…….1
ZABBAR SP……0
At the Tony Bezzina Stadium, Floriana claimed a 1-0 win over Żabbar St. Patrick in a game lacking many goal-scoring chances. A goal after just seven minutes was enough for Floriana to take all three points.
Floriana’s first chance was their only goal after only seven minutes, when a cross from Sasere on the left was met by Colombian midfielder Jork Becerra, whose shot hit the post before bouncing into the net.
The first half lacked many chances, with the only real action being Floriana’s goal. At the half-time whistle, the Greens were ahead by a single goal.
In the second half, the first notable chance came 15 minutes in, with a cross from Franklin Sasere on the right aimed at Serge Guy, but the young Zabbar goalkeeper Luca Camilleri easily saved the striker’s header.
In the 77th minute, Floriana nearly doubled their lead when Garcia crossed the ball into the Żabbar box, where Sasere attempted an acrobatic shot, but the ball went over the bar.
In the 85th minute, Zabbar had a direct free kick from Tavares, but Furjaniż was alert and saved it comfortably.
Jake Grech took a direct free kick in the 88th minute for Floriana, and once again, Camilleri was quick to save it, this time with some difficulty.
In the 89th minute, Jake Grech had a personal run and got past the Żabbar goalkeeper. From a tight angle, he tried to score, but defender Bonilha cleared the ball out for a corner, keeping the Saints in the game.
Referee Alex Johnson added five minutes of extra time, and at the final whistle, Floriana came away with the win. With this result, Floriana moved into 3rd place, one point ahead of Zabbar St. Patrick.
Floriana: C. Mafoumbi, O. El Hasni, E. Mashike (F. Gomes 78’), Z. Scerri, J. Becerra (J. Grech 67’), N. Matias Garcia, J. Gamarra, F. Sasere, A. Kouro, A. Garzia, S. Guy
Zabbar St. Patrick: L. Camilleri, J. Micallef (S. Gatt 86’), W. Bonilha, A. Gambarte (M. Barros 63’), Z. Grech (S. Ilic 46’), J. Pisani, J. Tavares (I. Akpan 86’), V. Da Paiva, K. Keqi (D. Souza 57’), J. Mendonca, D. Jovicic
Referee: Alex Johnson
