YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/26 – Matchday 4
Naxxar Lions…………… 2
Tarxien Rainbows……..3
Tarxien Rainbows secured their first victory of the campaign with a 3–2 win over Naxxar Lions.
Tarxien needed only eight minutes to take the lead when Nigerian forward Ofufu Ibeh Nnamdi drove in from outside the area, catching Matthias Debono out. Naxxar produced the required response in the 19th minute, drawing level through Vinicius de Jesus Ferreira, who finished smartly from close range after collecting a pass on the right.
Naxxar threatened again on 33 minutes when Giuseppe Bonanno’s central effort was held by Tarxien captain and goalkeeper Andrea Cassar. Two minutes later Ferreira tried his luck once more, but Cassar was equal to it. The hosts continued to improve and, on 38 minutes, were unlucky not to score when Neil Pace Cocks struck the woodwork. The first half closed at 1–1.
Naxxar maintained their momentum after the interval. In the 52nd minute Bonanno forced a fine save from Cassar, who turned the shot behind for a corner. The pressure told five minutes later when Joao Vitor Moura Cardoso curled in a picture book free kick to put Naxxar 2–1 up.
Tarxien did not fold. They restored parity in the 66th minute as substitute Kyle Gatt rose to head past Debono. Buoyed by the equaliser, the Rainbows pushed on and Huanne Da Silva Rosa struck the winner, beating Debono for the third time to complete the turnaround. The result will give Tarxien significant belief as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures.
Referee: Alex Johnson.
Line ups:
Naxxar Lions — Matthias Debono; Theo Kruger, Gustavo Felipe de Campos, Neil Pace Cocks (Mark Fenech 60), Alexandro Firmino Soares, Joao Victor Souza dos Santos (Amiel Sekala 80), Matheus Silva Batista (Rosiel da Silva 67), Christian Kontchou, Vinicius de Jesus Ferreira, Giuseppe Bonanno (Kayne Haber 80), Joao Vitor Moura Cardoso.
Tarxien Rainbows — Andrea Cassar; Salomao Willian Felipe, Tiago Conceicao, Alexandre Octavio, Jonata de Oliveira (Wallisson 62), Gabriel Vella (Kyle Gatt 62), Sheldon Mizzi (Andreas Vella 46), Huanne Da Silva Rosa, Magsom Luc Zango, Ofufu Ibeh Nnamdi (Alberto Castano 79), Rafael Tavares (Kwasi Donsu 65).
