360Sports Malta Premier: Top 6
National Stadium, Ta Qali
SLIEMA WANDERERS………..1
ĦAMRUN SPARTANS……….. 1
The much-anticipated 360 Sports Malta Premier Top 6 showdown between Sliema Wanderers and Ħamrun Spartans ended in a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium, a result that leaves both sides with their Final Four hopes hanging in the balance ahead of the season’s last matchday.
Both teams were aware that only a win would keep their fate in their own hands, but after an intense and entertaining encounter, they must now rely on other results to secure a place in the top four.
The draw sees Paul Zammit’s Sliema level on points with Ħamrun, although they hold an advantage in direct encounters. A win against Mosta on the final day could secure their Final Four place, provided Floriana do not top the standings.
Sliema started brightly, with Vito Plut proving a constant threat in attack. The Slovenian striker was involved early on, forcing Henry Bonello into a smart save after a neat through-ball from Steve Pisani. Bonello remained busy throughout the half, denying Wescley and keeping Ħamrun in the game, as the Spartans struggled to retain possession.
Ħamrun suffered an early setback when Amoustapha was forced off injured, replaced by Claros Menacho. Another substitution followed at half-time, with Mayron coming on for Emerson Marcelina.
After the break, Sliema’s pressure finally paid off. In the 52nd minute, Pisani slipped a clever pass into Plut’s path, and the striker beat the onrushing Bonello to slot home and put the Wanderers ahead.
However, the Spartans responded almost immediately. Ryan Camenzuli whipped in a cross that Joseph Mbong nodded into the path of Raphael Lopes Silva, who headed past Emeka despite a desperate goal-line clearance attempt by Gustavo Alcino.
Ħamrun nearly took the lead when Lopes Silva smashed a shot against the underside of the crossbar following a defensive lapse by Emeka. Late on, both goalkeepers were called into action, with Emeka saving superbly from Camenzuli and Bonello denying Wescley’s fierce drive.
Sliema Wanderers: K. Agu Emeka, J. Borg, N. Frendo, A. Magri Overend, V. Plut (81′ K. Nwoko), M. Beerman, G. Alcino, Wescley, S. Zibo, S. Pisani, A. Awad (81′ M. Priadun).
Ħamrun Spartans: H. Bonello, S. Xerri, J. Mbong, R. Prsa, E. Freitas, O. Bjelicic, A. Amoustapha (16′ C. Menacho), E. Marcelina (46′ Mayron), R. Camenzuli, M. Klepac (73′ D. Letherby), R. Lopes Silva.
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
