Gżira United claimed an important second victory in the Bottom 6 phase of the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round, defeating Naxxar Lions 3-1 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Thursday. The result not only strengthens the Maroons’ position in the standings but mathematically guarantees they will avoid the bottom two places.
For Naxxar, however, the defeat deepens their struggles as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table alongside Tarxien Rainbows, with time running out to reverse their fortunes.
Gżira approached the match with confidence following an improved run of performances in recent weeks, and their intent showed early. The Maroons controlled the tempo, moving the ball sharply while pushing Naxxar deeper into their defensive half.
Their pressure paid off on the half-hour mark when Jork Becerra broke the deadlock. The forward latched onto a well-weighted pass behind the defence and kept his composure with a low finish into the corner, giving Gżira a deserved 1-0 lead.
Naxxar attempted to respond but found clear chances difficult to create, with Gżira’s defensive block remaining disciplined and compact. Goalkeeper Justin Haber was rarely troubled, and the Maroons went into the break in full control of the match.
Gzira wrap it up in second half
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Gżira continuing to dictate proceedings. Their dominance was rewarded on 66 minutes when Kante doubled the advantage. The midfielder picked up the ball in space, drove forward and unleashed a precise strike that left the Naxxar goalkeeper with no chance.
Only at this stage did Naxxar begin to push forward with greater urgency. Their efforts were eventually rewarded in the 86th minute when Joao Moura pounced on a loose ball inside the area, finishing smartly to reduce the deficit and give the Lions a glimmer of hope.
But any prospect of a dramatic late comeback was quickly extinguished. Two minutes into stoppage time, Santiago Martinez restored Gżira’s two-goal cushion with a well-placed effort after a swift counterattack, sealing the 3-1 victory and sparking celebrations among the Maroons’ supporters.
With this win, Gżira United continue their upward trajectory in the Bottom 6, displaying improved cohesion and confidence under pressure. Naxxar, meanwhile, are left facing an increasingly daunting task as they search for points to climb off the foot of the table.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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