Balzan marked their return to the VBET Malta Premier with a battling 1-1 draw against Marsaxlokk at the Centenary Stadium.
Marsaxlokk appeared on course to claim all three points after Nikolai Muscat put them ahead in the first half, but Balzan refused to give up and secured a share of the spoils through young Jake Portelli 17 minutes from time.
The opening half produced few clear-cut opportunities, with Marsaxlokk creating the first real threat after 13 minutes. Dodo Soares burst into the area, but his effort was blocked.
Balzan responded through Olawutobiloba Awosanyi, whose curling effort was saved by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Christoffer Maffoumbi.
Marsaxlokk eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Nicky Muscat found space inside the area and struck first time, sending the ball beyond the Balzan goalkeeper to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Balzan looked for a response after the break and came close in the 63rd minute when Awosanyi’s inswinging effort was pushed away by an alert Maffoumbi.
The equaliser arrived 10 minutes later.
Youngster Jake Portelli timed his run perfectly before guiding the ball past Maffoumbi to bring Balzan level at 1-1.
Both sides then pushed forward in search of a winning goal, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough.
Balzan’s comeback earned them a valuable point on their return to the top flight, while Marsaxlokk had to settle for a share of the spoils after surrendering their first-half advantage.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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