Luis Riascos wheels away after scoring Gżira's equaliser. Photo: Domenic Aquilina
GŻIRA UNITED 2
Bohrer 63 Riascos 90
SLIEMA WANDERERS 2
Plut 43, 74
GŻIRA UNITED
J. Haber, G. Bohrer, A. Borg (57 D. Santana), T. Aldama, Z. Scerri, M. Dias (46 J. Pisani), L. Riascos, A. Da Paixao, F. Romero, B. Borg (57 K. Tulimieri), T. Espindola (78 F. Chouaib).
SLIEMA
K. Agu, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend, V. Plut (90 N. Strickland), S. Gomes (80 S. Ramos), M. Beerman, G. Alcino, W. Da Silva (64 M. Awad), M. Freire, S. Zibo, S. Pisani (90 N. Frendo).
Referee: Alex Johnson.
Yellow cards: B. Borg, Romero, Freire, Tulimieri.
Gżira United scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Sliema Wanderers.
The two teams shared the exchanges in the opening minutes with both sets of defenders prevailing on the respective forwards.
However, Sliema were soon creating the better chances, taking the lead towards the end of the first half.
A penalty for Gżira restored equilibrium and the Wanderers were soon back in front, but Andrew Cohen’s side struck late to earn a point from the game.
Gżira had the first attempt at goal as Bohrer Mentz released Thaylor Aldama on the right but the latter’s effort hit the side netting.
Sliema replied with an effort from Adam Magri Overand but his shot ended just wide on 17 minutes. Eight minutes later, Bohrer released Thaylor on the right once again and this time, the winger anticipated the goalkeeper but his attempt was cleared by Murilo Freire.
Six minutes from the break, Gomes, served on the right, rounded a defender before testing Haber with a low shot. Seconds later, Wescley picked Plut from the right but the latter failed to connect from close range.
Two minutes from the end of the first half, Sliema Wanderers took the lead. Magri Overend provided the assist from the right, Wescley flicked the ball in the direction of Plut who slotted past Haber from close range.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, the Wanderers were unlucky not to double the score. Beerman delivered a cross from the left and Wescley’s header hit the upright.
The Maroons levelled matters on 63 minutes. Alex da Paixao entered the area from the left, only to be brought down by Freire, with substitute Kevin Tulimieri also being pushed down in the process. Referee Alex Johnson ordered a penalty and from the spot, Bohrer converted.
However, on 74 minutes, Sliema regained the lead. Simon Zibo released Plut on the right and the latter was quick to anticipate Haber with a perfect lob from inside the area.
Two minutes from time, Gzira went close to equalising once again. Douglas provided an assist from the left and Tulimieri’s curling shot hit the upright with goalkeeper Abu beaten.
The Maroons kept pushing for the equaliser and five minutes in added time, Thaylor delivered a cross from the right, Jurgen Pisani headed the ball down and Chouaib served Luis Riascos who hit home from close range.
