Nine-man Mosta frustrate Sirens

MOSTA FC 0

SIRENS FC 0

Mosta: C. Mafoumbi-7, M. Mifsud-5 (65 Z. Brincat-5), C. Failla, T. Farrugia-6, Y. Naah-6, R. Morisco-6, B. Kaljevic-4, K. Tulimieri, J. Ekani-5.5, W. Donkin-4 (75 G. Sciberras)

Sirens: D. Cassar-6, J. Pearson-6, L. Bittaye-6, H. Kone-6.5, W. Domoraud-6, E. Callegari-6, J.Walker-5.5, S. Tounkara-5.5 (82 R. Darmanin), T. Agius-6 (75 R. Grech), T. Espindola-6, R. Scicluna-5 (82 A. Bustos)

Referee: Darryl Agius

Yellow card: Scicluna, Tulimieri, Failla, Brincat, Kone, Bezzina.

Red card: Failla (M) 74; Tulimieri (M) 90.

BOV player of the match: Christoffer Mafoumbi (Mosta).

Relegation-threatened Sirens had to settle for a point despite dominating much of the game against a Mosta side who finished the match with nine men.

Samba Tounkara missed two good chances to put them ahead and Hamed Kone also went close from close-range.

Mosta are now almost safe from the drop, after gaining four points from two direct encounters in a space of few days.

There were two changes in the Mosta formation, with Kevin Tulimieri came in for Mathias Muchardi and William Donkin got the nod ahead of Christ Ememe.

For the Northenders, Kone was back in action.

Giovanni Tedesco, the Sirens coach, appeared to have no inhibitions as he presented a three-pronged attacking formation made of Kone, Wilfried Domoroud and Samba Tounkara, constantly supported by Lamin Bittaye.

Mosta were just as disposed to go for enterprise with Michael Mifsud flanking the big-frame of central striker Bojan Kaljevic and a slightly deeper-lying Donkin.

Yet, for all intents and purposes, attacking football was scarce in the opening period.

Sirens had the ball into the net after 23 minutes but Tounkara’s effort was ruled out for offside. Soon after, Kone saw his close-range shot easily gathered by keeper Christoffer Mafoumbi.

Both sides had opportunities to score minutes after the break, with Johann Bezzina hitting a low shot into the side-netting after a solo run. Then Christoffer Mafoumbi blocking Lamin Bittaye’s shot from Thiago Espindola’s cross.

Kone brought out another smart stop from Mafoumbi, with the ball falling into the path of Tounkara, only for the Congo International goalkeeper to come out swiftly to smother the danger.

Tounkara again went close with a low shot which Mafoumbi got down to keep out with the goalkeeper emerging the winner in what developed into a personal duel with the Mali striker.

On 75 minutes, Clayton Failla, who had already been shown a yellow card, was sent off for a wild challenge on Terence Agius to leave Mosta down to ten men.

This was a cue for Tedesco to throw caution to the wind, adding a fourth striker with the introduction of Ryan Darmanin.

At death, Tulimieri also picked up a second yellow for a foul on Kone.