Mosta defeat Floriana to reclaim fourth place

MOSTA           2         

Akrong 45; Chibueze 83

FLORIANA       0

MOSTA

I. Akpan-6, R. Briffa-6 (85 T. Farrugia), C. Ememe-6.5 (85 N. Agius), P. Tenebe-6 (79 C. Eziefula), D. Bonnici-6 (85 F. Dore), C. Failla-6, B. Diarra-6, J. Akrong-6.5, J. Vassallo-6, Z. Brincat-6 (74 M. Okoh), J. Ekani-6.

FLORIANA

G. Kitanov-6.5 (89 R. Cutajar), A. Magri Overend-6.5, O. El Hasni-6, K. Reid-6.5, U. Arias-6, M. Garcia-6 (72 J. Scicluna), A. Melunovic-5.5, E. Callegari-6, J. Busuttil-6.5 (89 N. Cassar), S. Osestad-6 (72 M. Veselji), A. Garzia-6 (78 L. Trillo).

Referee: Ishmael Barbara.

Yellow Cards: O. El Hasni, J. Vassallo, R. Briffa, M. Garcia.

BOV Player of the Match: Kemar Reid (Floriana).

Mosta registered a third successive win as they defeated Floriana 2-0 on Sunday to reclaim the fourth place and keep the pace with Gżira United and Birkirkara in the battle for a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League this summer.

Although Floriana conceded yet another defeat – the third in four matches, the score is rather harsh on Gianluca Atzori’s side. They created the better chances throughout the 90 minutes, hitting the woodwork twice, and could consider themselves rather unlucky to leave Ta’ Qali empty-handed. However, Mosta scored the goals that mattered to take home three precious points.

The Greens had one change from the team which lost to Ħamrun Spartans as they welcomed back Kemar Reid. Mosta, on the other hand, had Precious Tenebe and Duane Bonnici replacing Kaishu Yamazaki and Ferebory Dore.

Floriana held the initiative during the first half. Reid had a diagonal shot from the left which scraped past the post on 12 minutes and two minutes later, Reid provided the assist for Jan Busuttil whose diagonal shot also missed the target by a whisker.

However, Mosta took the lead on 45 minutes. Christ Ememe delivered a corner from the left and Jacob Akrong slotted the ball past goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov from close range.

Nine minutes into the second half, Mosta had a golden opportunity to double the score when they were awarded a penalty after Zachary Brincat was pushed down inside the area by Emiliano Callegari. However, Clayton Failla’s effort from the penalty spot brought the best out of goalkeeper Kitanov who blocked his attempt with the ball cleared into safety by a defender.

Floriana replied with a cross from the left by Reid with Busuttil’s first-time effort hitting the upright on 61 minutes. 

On 72 minutes, off an assist by Ulises Arias from the left, Reid tried his luck with a powerful drive which saw the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing on the goal line before being cleared into safety.

However, seven minutes from time, Mosta sealed the issue with a second goal. A cross from the left was deflected by a Floriana defender and substitute Glamour Eziefula Chibueze drilled the ball home with a powerful shot from outside the area.