Ħamrun Spartans FC suffered a major blow in their bid to finish top of the Closing Round Top 6 after conceding a dramatic stoppage-time goal to fall 3–2 against Marsaxlokk FC.
Marsaxlokk made a flying start, taking the lead inside the opening minutes when Oualid El-Hasni rose highest to head past Henry Bonello at the far post. The early setback unsettled the Spartans, who struggled to respond immediately despite efforts from Ivan Inzoudine and Damir Ceter, while Matthew Guillaumier also tested Christoffer Mafoumbi.
Ħamrun gradually found their rhythm and were rewarded on the half-hour mark when they were awarded a penalty following a suspected handball from a corner. After a Football Video Support review upheld the decision, Emerson Marcelina converted from the spot to bring the sides level.
However, parity was short-lived. Just before halftime, former Spartans midfielder Domantas Šimkus struck against his old club to restore Marsaxlokk’s lead heading into the break.
Ħamrun coach Giacomo Modica introduced Joseph Mbong at halftime in an attempt to turn the tide, but Marsaxlokk started the second half strongly. The champions’ task became even more difficult when Marcelina was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving them with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ħamrun pushed forward and managed to equalise on 73 minutes. Mbong reacted quickest inside the area to beat Mafoumbi and make it 2–2, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
Both sides continued to search for a winner, with Marsaxlokk going close through Rasmus Linden, while Ħamrun introduced fresh attacking options in a bid to seize control.
But deep into stoppage time, Marsaxlokk delivered the decisive blow. Substitute Triston Caruana struck from distance, with his effort taking a crucial deflection that wrong-footed Bonello and found the net, sealing a dramatic 3–2 victory.
The result leaves Ħamrun with a significant setback in the title race, while Marsaxlokk celebrate a crucial and hard-fought win.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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