A stoppage-time strike from substitute Evandro salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw for Valletta, keeping their YoHealth Malta Premier League unbeaten run intact, while Sliema Wanderers were left heartbroken once again as they saw a late lead slip away for the second time this season.
Sliema coach Paul Zammit made two changes from the 2-2 draw against Birkirkara, recalling Thiago Espindola and captain Steven Pisani to the starting XI. In contrast, Thane Micallef kept faith with an unchanged Valletta lineup for the fourth consecutive game.
Both sides lined up in identical 3-5-2 formations, leading to intriguing matchups, notably Adam Magri Overand versus Thaylor on one flank and Shaft Brewer against Espindola on the other. The early stages were tight, with midfield congestion limiting clear chances.
Valletta relied heavily on long balls toward Jefferson, while Sliema sought to exploit the pace and trickery of Sulahmana Bah. On 28 minutes, former Valletta goalkeeper Rashid Al Tumi rushed off his line to deny Jefferson a one-on-one opportunity. Sliema’s best first-half chance came in the 41st minute when Miguel Baggio unleashed a powerful long-range strike, forcing a sharp save from Adilson.
As the half closed, Jefferson had a diagonal shot saved by Al Tumi, while Vito Plut blasted over following a defensive mix-up by Steve Borg.
Sliema took the lead early in the second half thanks to Bah. A rare lapse from Sava Radic allowed Bah to gain control near the edge of the box. Cutting inside from the left, he unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, leaving Adilson with no chance.
Buoyed by the goal, Bah continued to threaten with his direct runs, though Neil Micallef began to contain him more effectively.
Sensing the game slipping away, Micallef made a bold triple substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Andrei Ciolacu, Keyon Ewurum, and Evandro to increase attacking firepower. Zammit responded by reinforcing Sliema’s defence, introducing Gustavo Alcino and replacing Plut with Boubakary Diarra.
In the dying minutes, Valletta appealed for a penalty when Thaylor’s volley struck Pisani’s arm, but referee Ishmael Barbara waved play on.
Deep into stoppage time, Valletta finally found their breakthrough. A hopeful ball into the box caused chaos as Alcino and Magri Overand converged on Ciolacu, leaving Evandro completely unmarked at the far post. The substitute calmly drilled his shot past Al Tumi, sparking wild celebrations among the Valletta faithful as they snatched a point at the death.
Sasere double secures first win for Birkirkara
Birkirkara secured their first win of the season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Mosta, showing clear improvement under new coach Gianluca Festa.
The Stripes took control early and went ahead after 11 minutes, when Stephane Makoma set up Franklin Sasere, who prodded home from close range. Birkirkara continued to dominate, with Sasere and Jan Busuttil both going close, while Francisco Lopez cleared a dangerous effort from Joaquim Leonardo Fernandes off the line to preserve the lead.
In the second half, Ignacio Morello struck the crossbar as Birkirkara pushed for a second goal. Mosta threatened from set pieces, with Fernandes shaving the post from a free-kick, but the Stripes maintained control.
Their persistence paid off late on when Hurtado Herrera was sent off for a handball inside the box. Sasere converted the resulting penalty in the 80th minute, sealing the win and condemning Mosta to their third defeat in five matches.
Birkirkara now move closer to the Top Six in the standings, while Mosta continue to struggle near the bottom.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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