Okereke strikes late as Mosta stun ten-man Ħamrun Spartans

MOSTA 1

Okereke 88

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 0

MOSTA

D. Akpan, P. Afriyie, L. Coulibaly (90 S. Cachia), S. Kone (72 R. Luca 90 M. Pires), G. Goncalves (72 S. Okereke), C. Failla, J. Agyemang, J. Teixeira, J. Vassallo, Z. Brincat (72 L. Agius) L. Joaquim

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS

H. Bonello, S. Xerri, L. Montebello, C. Mba (80 M. Ellul), J. Mbong, R. Prsa, E. Freitas (62 Vitao), Wendel (62 S. Attard), J. Corbalan (46 Ederson), M. Mayron, R. Camenzuli.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.

Missed penalty: Montebello (H) 45.

Yellow cards Montebello, Mbong, Freitas.

Red card: Ryan Camenzuli (Ħ) 79.

Substitute Sunday Okereke came off the bench to give Mosta their first league victory and shock champions Ħamrun Spartans.

The Nigerian striker struck a superb goal with two minutes to go, crowning a great run with a fine finish. Ħamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello could do nothing to stop Okereke’s 88th header but the Spartans paid the penalty after missing a string of chances including a late first-half spot kick.

Ħamrun Spartans gave a debut to French striker Chris Mba Ondong who played up front alongside Luke Montebello in a 4-4-2 configuration.

Zinnari’s counterpart Mario Muscat named three debutants in the starting XI with Prince Afriyie and Larsson Lassina Coulibaly forming a central partnership in midfield whereas Souleymane Kone was detailed to push upfront on the left flank.

The early exchanges were lively, with no real opportunities on both ends as Mosta demonstrated they were ready to match Hamrun Spartans.

But past the half hour mark, it needed a brilliant save from David Akpan to stop Ħamrun taking the lead. Elionay Freitas lit up the proceedings with a mazy run, leaving three Mosta defenders trailing in his wake to open a gap in the opposition’s defence and tee up Montebello but his swerving shot was saved by the Mosta goalkeeper.

Ħamrun were awarded a golden opportunity to find the net just before half-time. Juan Corbalan managed to steal in front of Coulibaly, who clumsily brought the winger down inside the area.

Referee Fyodor Zammit had little hesitation in awarding a spot-kick. Montebello went confidently on the penalty spot but his fierce shot slammed off the underside of the bar and away.

The Spartans coach made a substitution at half-time, bringing on Ederson for Corbalan in a bid to put pressure on Mosta. And, although they had no option but to attack, they were struggling to make the most of their long spell of possession.

On 51 minutes, Odong sent a stinging shot that was parried by Akpan. On the other end, Afriyie, who was superb throughout, pierced the Ħamrun defence as he darted past his marker, but delivery found no takers.

Hamrun had little attacking impact, and Zinnari brought on Shaisen Attard. It sparked a marked Hamrun improvement, Montebello hitting a low freekick which was blocked by Akpan.

But the Spartans left themselves with too much to do after Ryan Camenzuli lost his cool and was subsequently sent off for foul language.

Two minutes from time, substitute Sunday Okereke created a goal out of nothing, as he chased a long pass, and headed the ball past the onrushing Bonello and to condemn the Spartans to their first defeat of the season.