Yohealth Malta Premier – Closing round matchday 3
Tarxien Rainbows….1
Gżira United………….2
A ten-man Gżira United preserved their perfect start to the season with a third successive victory, although they rode their luck against a spirited Tarxien Rainbows side who were ultimately undone by a costly late defensive error.
Tarxien made a strong start and were rewarded in 19 minutes after a devastating counterattack led by Anthony Lokosa. The Nigerian forward muscled Mihajlo Stojanovic off the ball before squaring neatly for Ángel Valverde, who finished from close range to put Tarxien ahead. In the buildup, Stojanovic had attempted to shield the ball out for a goal kick but was dispossessed by Lokosa, a mistake that proved decisive.
Tarxien almost doubled their advantage soon after. Abdelrahman Gaafar delivered a precise pass across the goal for Marko Musulin, who found himself with the net gaping, but the striker inexplicably fired over the bar, allowing Gżira to escape.
That miss proved costly on 28 minutes as Gżira drew level through a moment of quality. Johan Calderón Bonilla unleashed a superb rising effort that flew into the top corner, giving Miguel Spiteri no chance and restoring parity.
The hosts responded positively and continued to cause problems. At 43 minutes, Lokosa was again involved as his effort, following a pass from Huanne Nhaysonn, was parried away by Colombo as Tarxien pushed forward.
Gżira nearly went into the break in front when Andrew Borg surged forward before feeding Maxuell Maia on the left. Maia struck firmly towards goal, but Petar Panic produced an excellent goal-line clearance to keep the scores level at half-time.
Tarxien began the second half with renewed intent and almost reclaimed the lead on 54 minutes. Lokosa surged down the left and picked out substitute Luke Borg inside the area, but with only the goalkeeper to beat, Borg shot straight at Eduardo Colombo, who made a vital save.
The turning point arrived at 70 minutes when Stojanovic was sent off for denying Lokosa a clear goal-scoring opportunity. From the resulting free kick, Valverde curled a fine effort around the wall, only for Colombo to produce another outstanding save.
Gżira coach Darren Abdilla reacted with a double substitution, introducing Marc Van De Bovenkamp and Fabricio Virgens in an attempt to steady his side.
Tarxien continued to press against ten men. Claudio Barbosa da Silva produced a brilliant solo run, accelerating past Isemol N’Sa Chrisnovic before forcing Colombo into yet another impressive save.
Late drama followed when Tarxien thought they had scored the winner as Nhaysonn found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper, much to Gżira’s relief.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Luke Anthony Borg attempted a back pass from near the halfway line, but his effort fell short and was intercepted by substitute Fabricio Virgens. The forward kept his composure and finished low past Spiteri to snatch victory for Gżira.
The result keeps Gżira United top of the table with three wins from three, while Tarxien were left frustrated after a strong performance that ultimately went unrewarded.
