Mosta maintained their perfect start to the VBET Malta Premier campaign after holding off a determined Balzan side to secure a 2-1 victory.
The Blues appeared to be heading towards a comfortable win after Balzan were reduced to ten men early in the match and Mosta established a two-goal lead. However, Balzan refused to give up and produced a spirited second-half fightback, pulling a goal back and putting the Mosta defence under sustained pressure.
Balzan suffered an early setback after ten minutes when Jake Portelli was shown a straight red card following a two-footed challenge on Prince. The incident was reviewed through Football Video Support before the dismissal was confirmed.
Mosta almost took immediate advantage of their numerical superiority when Thiago Espindola set up Nevin Portelli, but his effort was blocked.
Despite being a man down, Balzan continued to pose a threat, with Dimesi Awosanya emerging as their main attacking outlet. The forward saw a powerful effort turned into a corner by Mosta goalkeeper David Akpan.
Mosta eventually made the breakthrough on 24 minutes. Giancarlo Goncalves did well to retain possession, turned past his marker and fired a firm shot beyond the Balzan goalkeeper.
Balzan continued to push forward, with Awosanya twice forcing good saves from Akpan, while Lucas Macula also tested the Mosta goalkeeper.
However, Mosta doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. Prince Afriyie received the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful drive into the bottom corner.
The Blues could have extended their lead early in the second half when Nevin Portelli set up Goncalves, but his effort was blocked by Samir Arab.
Balzan, however, continued to fight and reduced the deficit when Nikola Doric headed home from close range.
The goal gave Balzan renewed confidence and they stepped up the pressure in search of an equaliser. Mosta appeared increasingly under pressure, with Akpan forced to deny Guehi in the closing stages.
Despite Balzan’s determined efforts, Mosta held firm to secure all three points.
The victory gives Mosta a second successive win and maintains their perfect start to the league campaign, while Balzan will take encouragement from their battling display despite playing the majority of the match with ten men.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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