Late drama seals point for Żabbar SP, Naxxar Lions

ŻABBAR ST PATRICK 3-3 NAXXAR LIONS
Diogo Tavares 30, 86; Sean Gatt (Ż); Edson Farias 11, 58; Caxambu 90 pen.

In an intense and thrilling six-goal encounter, Żabbar St Patrick and Naxxar Lions shared the spoils, each securing their third draw of the season.

Both teams remain in the lower half of the standings, level on three points.

Additionally, Żabbar St Patrick and Naxxar Lions have identical goal differences, with three goals scored and seven conceded across their four league matches.

Naxxar Lions wasted little time taking the lead, finding the net just over 10 minutes into the match. Degran Jackson delivered a superb cross that found Edson Farias, who headed past goalkeeper Matthew Grech.

Żabbar St Patrick responded with intent, seeking an equalizer, but Naxxar’s goalkeeper Matthias Debono denied Diogo Tavares on multiple occasions.

Tavares continued to test Debono but couldn’t generate enough power in his shot to find the back of the net.

However, just before the half-hour mark, Tavares finally broke through, firing a low drive that left Debono with no chance.

Naxxar were then dealt a blow when Fernando Barbosa had to be substituted five minutes before halftime due to an injury.

After the break, Naxxar regained the lead when Farias found the net, curling the ball into the far post from a free-kick situation.

However, Żabbar St Patrick responded, as substitute Sean Gatt made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch to draw his team level.

Joao Pedro Janeiro’s side then took the advantage, with Diogo Tavares — one of Żabbar St Patrick’s standout players — delivering a brilliant free-kick over the wall and past Debono to complete his brace.

Moments later, Żabbar St Patrick were reduced to 10 men after Strahinja Jovincic was shown a red card for a reckless tackle.

In stoppage time, Żabbar St Patrick conceded a penalty when referee Malcolm Spiteri ruled that a challenge by Matthew Grech was a foul. From the spot, Caxambu converted, sealing a dramatic six-goal draw as both teams walked away with a point.