YoHealth Malta Premier – Opening Round 2025/26
SLIEMA W……..0
MOSTA………….1
Against all odds, in the first game from matchday 2 of the YoHealth Malta Premier, Mosta beat Sliema Wanderers 1-0, bouncing back from their opening day defeat to Marsaxlokk last week.
Mosta were without Brazilian attacking midfielder Giancarlo Gonçalves, who was sent off in the first match. In today’s game, they also lost Eke Chukwuemeka, who was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 84th minute.
Much of the credit for this win goes to Mosta’s goalkeeper, Udoh Akpan, who was named Man of the Match after an outstanding performance. Sliema dominated possession and created several chances, but Akpan and the Mosta defence stood strong and held on to the lead until the final whistle.
The first half ended 0-0, with Paul Zammit’s Sliema side clearly in control. The pattern continued in the second half, but Sliema still couldn’t find a way past Akpan.
Then, in the 77th minute, and against the run of play, Mosta were awarded a penalty after Murillo Henrique fouled Prince Emanuel in the box. Leonardo Da Silva stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, beating goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi.
Just after they went ahead, Mosta ended playing with 10-men when Eke Chukwuemeka, was shown a second yellow card.
Despite Sliema’s efforts to find a late equaliser, Mosta defended with everything they had and secured their first three points of the season.
Formations:
Sliema Wanderers: Rashed Al Tumi, Jean Borg, Neil Frendo, Adam Magri Overand, Vito Plut, Roko Prsa, Mamadu Bah (Luke Montebello 65′) Murilo Henrique, Steven Pisani, Thiago Espindola (Myles Beerman 77′), Miguel Baggio (Boubakary Diarra 65′).
Mosta: David Udoh Akpan, Junior Chukwuemeka, Daniel Henrique (Quelmer Herrera 61′), Joao Victor, Gianluca Sciberras, Prince Emanuel, Sunday Okereke (Aboubakar Diarra 83′), Jake Vassallo, Zachary Brincat (Nathan Agius 83′), Leonrado Fernandes (Matthew Bolanos 83′), Caio dos Santos.
Referee: Ishmael Barbara
