YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/26 – MD9
Sliema Wds……….1
Marsaxlokk……..….1
Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk missed the chance to make meaningful progress in their bid for a Top Six place as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
The match had two contrasting phases. Sliema dominated the first half, during which they took a deserved lead and created several opportunities to extend their advantage. However, after the interval, Marsaxlokk looked a completely different side, mounting a spirited response that eventually earned them a well-merited equaliser, keeping them firmly in contention for a Top Six finish.
This result leaves Sliema level on 15 points with third-placed Ħamrun Spartans, while Marsaxlokk now share sixth place with Hibernians on 14 points, one ahead of Birkirkara.
Sliema started strongly and came close to opening the scoring after ten minutes when Roko Prša struck a free-kick that beat goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi but crashed against the crossbar.
The Wanderers had the ball in the net on 17 minutes after Mafoumbi parried a Miguel Baggio effort and Plut converted the rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Their pressure eventually paid off on 33 minutes when Marsaxlokk conceded possession cheaply from a throw-in in their own half. Plut immediately released Sulahmana Bah, who drove a low shot into the far corner.
Sliema continued to push forward, and five minutes before the break, Mafoumbi produced a fine stop to turn away Wesley’s free-kick.
Marsaxlokk improved significantly after the restart. On 56 minutes, Ulises Arias carved out space for a shot, only to be denied by Kelvin Agu. Moments later, El Hasni headed the ball into Arias’ path, but Agu once again came to Sliema’s rescue.
Sliema thought they had doubled their lead on 70 minutes when Bah’s shot was kept out by Mafoumbi and the rebound ricocheted off Plut into the net, but the goal was again disallowed for offside.
Instead, Marsaxlokk drew level two minutes later. Arias found Dodo, who struck a powerful first-time volley that left Agu with no chance.
The Southseasiders almost completed the turnaround late on, when Arias stole possession near the edge of the box, but Agu was alert to push his effort away and ensure the match finished level.
Video credit: Sliema Wds
