MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

CHAMPIONS SAVE THE RESULT WITH TEN MEN

(E. Husein o.g. 53’, 63’ pen.)

P. Galea, F. Debono, A. Debono, M. Azzopardi, M. Formosa, P. Spiteri, N. Filipov, J. Portelli, B. Njoku, S. Rais (J. Camilleri), F. De Andrade.

(L. Camilleri 26’, 30’)

D. Gauci (C. Mercieca), F. Camilleri, M. Tabone, D. Sakic, D. Mercieca, E. Hussein, J.P. Mizzi (A. Grech), M. Mamo, M. Stojanovic, L. Camilleri (J. Mercieca), M.A. Ribeiro.

  Champions Sannat Lions were held to a draw by relegation strugglers Kercem Ajax in an interesting match where the final result remained uncertain until the final whistle.  The two teams needed the three points from this match for different reasons. 

  Sannat need points to reduce the gap from the top position and retain their chances to defend the title while Kercem are in need of points to get away from the danger zone on the table.  At the ended the final score is quite just, although Sannat’s point gains more value when considering that they recovered a two-goal deficit when they had a player less on the field.  Kercem were undoubtedly the better side during the first period but lost composure after the break.  The Ajax not only failed to take advantage of the extra player on the field and to defend a two-goal cushion but also allowed their opponents to take command of play and to stay in contention for the victory.

  In the 7th minute of play Kercem produced their first serious danger through a strike by Marcos Aurelio Ribeiro that ended inches over the crossbar.  Sannat replied two minutes later with a good shot by Sabri Rais, following a pass by Benneth Njoku, which was well saved by goalie Donald Gauci.  In the 14th minute a close ranged header by Fernando de Andrade from a cross by Sabri Rais was blocked by Eman Hussein.  Kercem opened the score on 24 minutes through a low header by Leonard Camilleri following a long ranged free kick by John Paul Mizzi that surprised Sannat’s rearguard.

  Sannat were shocked and four minutes later the same Camilleri doubled the score for his side with a tap-in from an unmarked position to conclude a low inviting cross by Marlon Mamo.  Sannat could have reduced the score nine minutes from half time but Fernando de Andrade had two consecutive attempts saved by goalie Donald Gauci.

  Goalie Gauci distinguished himself once again in the 2nd minute of play of the second period when he turned in corner a strike by Fernando de Andrade following a through pass by Sabri Rais.  Sannat ended with a player less on the field in the 50th minute when Mark Formosa was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Sakic. 

  However, Sannat were not demoralised and ironically they increased their efforts to recover the deficit.  In the 52nd minute Kercem’s Sakic cleared off the goalmouth before Rais could conclude a low cross by De Andrade.  Fernando De Andrade continued to create danger to Kercem’s rearguard and the Brazilian striker produced the action which reduced the score one minute later.  De Andrade entered the area from the right flank, dribbled two defenders and his low cross was deflected in goal by Kercem’s defender Eman Hussein and the ball ended in goal. 

  Sannat kept insisting and in the 63rd minute they were awarded a penalty when goalie Donald Gauci floored Jason Portelli in the area and Fernando de Andrade levelled the score with his shot from the spot kick.  Sannat continued to be more adventurous as Kercem failed to take advantage of the extra player on the field.  The Ajax tried to protect their area and operate with counter attacks. However, Sannat were again dangerous on 82 minutes through a long ranged shot by Benneth Njoku that ended just wide. 

  Kercem were dangerous three minutes later through a direct free kick by Marcos Aurelio Ribeiro that was blocked by goalie Paul Galea.  In the final stages the two sides had a good scoring opportunity to obtain the victory.  On 87 minutes Sannat’s Nikolai Filipov incredibly concluded high from an ideal position following an inviting pass by substitute John Camilleri and in an immediate reply by Kercem substitute Jonathan Mercieca unmarked Frankie Camilleri in Sannat’s area but the latter concluded badly from a good position.  In the third minute of stoppage time Sannat could have obtained a dramatic victory but a shot from the edge of the area following a corner action was saved by substitute goalkeeper Courtney Mercieca. 

Referee: Feodor Zammit

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