Gżira United 1–0 Mosta
Becerra 75’
Gżira United stretched their unbeaten run to five matches after edging past Mosta 1–0 in the opening fixture of the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round Bottom Six.
The victory lifts Darren Abdilla’s side to 16 points, placing them five ahead of the Blues. While Mosta created several good opportunities—striking the post more than once in the second half—it was Gżira who ultimately fashioned the clearer chances and made their pressure count.
Gżira made four changes from their previous league outing, bringing in Marc Van De Bovenkamp Font, Santiago Martinez, Luis Riascos, and Kanté. Suspended duo Clayton Failla and David Xuereb were unavailable, while Brooklyn Borg and Wallace Bonilha started on the bench.
Mosta also rotated heavily, recalling Leo Fernandes, Almamy Kanitao, Giancarlo Gonçalves and Daniel GTA following their match against Tarxien.
The first half was quiet, with the opening chance arriving on 29 minutes when Leo Fernandes curled a free-kick inches wide. Moments later, Gżira threatened through a Van De Bovenkamp header that was cleared off the line.
Approaching the break, Johan Bonilla released Luis Riascos, whose shot from the edge of the box sailed just over. Mosta responded instantly with a long-range effort from Simon Zibo, which Gżira goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo managed to neutralise.
The tempo rose after the restart. Within a minute, Nathan Agius fired just wide, and on 52 minutes Mosta countered swiftly—Kanitao surging down the right before unleashing a powerful drive that narrowly missed the far post.
Mosta went even closer on 57 minutes when Daniel GTA struck the base of the upright following good work from Agius.
Gżira replied immediately. A Jork Becerra header from a Bonilla free-kick forced a solid save from Akpan, and shortly afterward Santiago Martinez tested the Mosta goalkeeper after a neat exchange with Kanté and Andrew Borg.
The pressure finally told in the 75th minute. From a corner on the right, Jork Becerra rose highest to glance a precise header into the net and hand Gżira the breakthrough.
Mosta attempted a late push, with Joao Victor’s overhead kick blocked on 77 minutes. Three minutes later, Bonilla released Andre on the left, but the Brazilian dragged his effort wide.
In the closing stages, Andre went down in the area while attempting to round Akpan. Referee Fyodor Zammit cautioned the Gżira forward for simulation, and after consultation with the Football Video Support system, upheld his original decision despite Gżira’s protests.
Gżira ultimately held firm to secure a valuable win and continue their positive momentum in the bottom-six phase.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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