YoHealth Malta Premier 25/26 – MD12
Ħamrun S…..1
Valletta………0
Ħamrun Spartans claimed a 1–0 victory over Valletta at the National Stadium on Saturday, a result that moved them to the top of the YoHealth Malta Premier League table. A goal from Ognjen Bjelicic early in the second half proved decisive in a match that featured sustained attacking phases from both sides and several key moments reviewed through the Football Video Support system.
Prior to kick off, Ħamrun Spartans goalkeeper Henry Bonello received a commemorative shirt from the club’s chief executive officer Marcel Bonnici to mark his one hundredth appearance for the club in the Premier League.
Valletta began the match with the return of defender Sava Radic and forward Yuri Messias, who were both unavailable in the previous fixture. Ħamrun selected a strong starting side, although Croatian midfielder Ante Coric was rested and N’dri Koffi started the match among the substitutes.
Valletta applied early pressure and created the first opportunity on eight minutes. Jake Azzopardi won a free kick from long range and Messias forced Bonello into a save with a powerful attempt on goal. Valletta continued to push forward and on the twentieth minute they appealed for a penalty when Messias went to ground following a pass from Mendoza. The referee reviewed the incident on the Football Video Support system and confirmed that no infringement had occurred.
Ħamrun created their first clear chance four minutes later when Saliou Thioune was released by Garcia but saw his effort saved by Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Maringa. The match then opened up, with Ħamrun increasing their possession and Valletta continuing to press in advanced positions.
In first half stoppage time, Valletta were initially awarded a penalty after Messias went down in the penalty area. However, following a request for a review, the referee overturned the decision after confirming simulation and issued a yellow card to the Valletta forward.
Ħamrun made three substitutions at the interval with Mouad El Fanis, Koffi and Joseph Mbong entering the match. The changes had an immediate impact. In the forty eighth minute, El Fanis advanced through midfield and found Mbong, who played the ball to Bjelicic inside the area. The forward then sent a curling shot into the far corner to give Ħamrun the lead.
Valletta responded with sustained pressure and produced several chances. Bonello saved a close range header from Steve Borg on the sixty fifth minute and denied Messias soon after. Valletta created one of their best opportunities twenty minutes from time when Aldama delivered a low cross through the penalty area but neither Jefferson nor Andrea Zammit made contact.
Further chances followed when Jefferson broke the defensive line and shot over the crossbar and when substitute Andrei Ciolacu had an attempt deflected wide in the closing stages. Ħamrun also forced a save from Maringa late in the match through El Fanis.
Ħamrun maintained their defensive shape during the final phases and successfully protected their advantage until full time. The victory moved Ħamrun Spartans two points ahead of Floriana, who play Marsaxlokk on Sunday. Valletta, who created several opportunities throughout the match, recorded their second consecutive defeat.
