Watch: Floriana survive Tre Penne scare, Marsaxlokk hold Partizani

Floriana survived a scare to fight back from a one-goal deficit to launch their Europa Conference League campaign on a winning note.

After going down early in the second-half, Darren Abdilla’s Greens produced a much-needed reaction to score three goals in the space of eight minutes to take control of this two-legged tie against San Marino’s representatives.

Marsaxlokk marked their return to European football with a gutsy display against Partizani of Albania, snatching a 1-1 draw which bodes well for Winston Muscat’s side ahead of next week’s home tie.

The Premier League side did not have an ideal start when Partizani found the net after just two minutes of play.

Nonetheless, a piece of brilliance by their star player Yuri helped them peg back the Albanian side in this first leg.

Coach Abdilla was making his Floriana debut after taking over from Mauro Camoranesi in his 27th European match as he has now made it eight wins, six in this competition on a personal level.

The former Gżira United coach handed a debut to goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi, on his return to Maltese football, and left-footed Thiaguinho who joined during the summer transfer window.

As expected, Floriana opted for an offensive approach, trying to muster goalscoring chances in search for an early lead.

While Kemar Reid had a big chance saved by Tre Penne goalkeeper, the San Marino side threatened as well through Tommaso Guidi who forced Mafoumbi into action.

For all the possession they had, Floriana could not find a way to draw first blood and this came back to haunt them early after the break.

Guidi, Tre Penne’s most dangerous player, had an effort on goal that was not enough to beat Mafoumbi.

However, moments later, Guidi was not denied by the Floriana goalkeeper when his low drive found its way into the back of the net.

The goal came as a cold shower for Floriana but the hosts reacted perfectly, scoring three times without a reply.

Goal: Yuri | FK Partizani 1-1 Marsaxlokk pic.twitter.com/Z5hJhlu74o

— PushGoals (@PushGoals) July 11, 2024

Kyrian Nwoko levelled terms when he capitalised on a Reid’s cross before Dunstan Vella put Floriana ahead with a brilliant effort from the edge of the area.

Thiaguinho found Floriana’s third with a half-volley, connecting with another Reid’s whipped cross from the left side.

Midway into the second half, Floriana had two other players making their debut, in Brazilian fullback Fernandinho and Nigerian Anthony Obonogwu, who plays as a forward.

Marsaxlokk, as well, had plenty of debutants in their side including Nikola Raden, Lucas Lopez and Jefferson who formed the backline.

Upfront, the attack was led by new faces Alex Gomes and Patrick Nanato.

Yuri almost put Marsaxlokk ahead inside the opening seconds when his shot from tight angle was diverted into corner.

Partizani produced their first chance just instantly after, making the most of it through captain Valentin Murataj who beat Marko Drobnjak from inside the penalty box. 

But Marsaxlokk equalised with a fine strike from Yuri Messias who hit a rasping drive from the edge of the area with the ball rolling into the net.

The hosts missed some clear cut chances including through Christian Mba and Tedi Cara.

Marsaxlokk, on their part, could have snatched victory in Albania late on when substitute Igor Goularte, on his first appearance for the Maltese club, failed to slot the ball into the net after making his way into the box.