YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/2026 Opening Round – Top 6 – MD15
Sliema Wanderers……0
Marsaxlokk……………..0
Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk were held to a goalless draw in a match that produced very few clear-cut scoring opportunities, as neither side managed to find a decisive breakthrough.
With just one match remaining before the end of the opening round, the result makes it increasingly difficult for Sliema to finish in second place, while Marsaxlokk were already mathematically out of contention for a top two spot.
Sliema entered the match following a surprise FA Trophy elimination at the hands of Swieqi United, a result that ultimately brought an end to Paul Zammit’s three and a half year spell as Wanderers coach. For this fixture, the team was led by assistant coach Noel Turner, while veteran Edmond Agius made his first start of the season.
Marsaxlokk were also struggling for form, having secured just one win from their previous four league matches, in addition to last week’s FA Trophy exit against Floriana.
The first meaningful chances arrived around the quarter-hour mark and fell to Marsaxlokk. Marcelo Barros broke free and fired towards goal, but his effort was well saved by Rashed Al Tumi. A minute later, Barros threatened again with a header from a Dodò cross, only for Al Tumi to intervene once more. Shortly after the half hour, Juan Carlos Corbalan controlled a cross from the left but sent his attempt well over the bar.
Midway through the second half, Sliema requested a Football Video Support review for a potential red card offence by former player Joseph Minala on Vito Plut. After reviewing the incident, referee Ishmael Barbara decided no dismissal was warranted.
Just after the 70th minute, Plut capitalised on a mistake by Oualid El Hasni, who failed to control the ball. The striker rounded goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi, but Enrico Pepe made a crucial intervention on the goal line to deny Sliema the lead.
Football Video Support was used again ten minutes from time, this time by Marsaxlokk, who appealed for a red card following a challenge by Sulahmana Bah on Minala. In a decision that appeared debatable, the referee opted against sending the defender off.
In stoppage time, substitute Nevin Portelli tested Al Tumi with a low effort, but the Sliema goalkeeper saved comfortably to ensure the match ended without goals.
Man of the Match: Enrico Pepe
Referee: Ishmael Barbara
