Second-half comeback earn Naxxar Lions crucialwin

MELITA                      2
Morlets 44, 45

NAXXAR LIONS       5
Coelho 17, 66; Bolanos 57
Farias 62; Maicon 90

MELITA
A. Lubik; A. Pena (70 M. Debattista), K. Mohnani (81 P. Testaferrata), A. Da Costa, A. Borg Olivier, M. Bovenkamp, J. Morlets (63 J. Attard), K. Bondin, C. Gonzalez, H. Motta, S. Perlaza (81 C. Gyamfi).

NAXXAR LIONS
M. Debono; N. Micallef, B. Sane, E. Farias, R. Cassar, H. Coelho (82 J. Farrugia), J. Leal (55 E. Bolanos), H. Martins, Maicon, F. Pereira, Y, Ito.

Referee: Daniel Casha.

Yellow cards: Motta, Bondin.

Naxxar Lions built on their surprise victory over Birkirkara with another crucial win, this time at the expense of relegation rivals Melita in a dramatic contest.

Despite trailing at halftime, a strong second-half display saw George Vella’s side claim all three points, lifting their tally to six points. Though they remain bottom of the standings, this victory provides a vital boost in their fight to avoid relegation.

The match started with a physical battle in midfield, with both teams engaging in aggressive duels, leading to frequent fouls.

Melita created the first real opportunity when Kurt Bondin unleashed a long-range effort that rattled the woodwork.

However, it was Naxxar who took the lead as Hugo Coelho capitalized on Henrique Motta’s failed clearance, lobbing the ball over Aleksander Lubik to put his side ahead.

Jhanius Leal attempted to double Naxxar’s advantage with a long-range strike but missed the target, while Melita’s Jesus Morlets came close to equalising, sending his effort just wide.

Naxxar sat deep in a compact defensive shape, making it difficult for Melita to break them down.

Despite struggling in the final third, Clive Mizzi’s side eventually found a breakthrough with a stunning one-minute blitz before half-time.

First, goalkeeper Matthias Debono’s short punch landed at the feet of Morlets, who fired into the net to level the score. Just moments later, the same player reacted quickly to a rebound and slotted past Debono, completing the turnaround to send Melita into the break with a 2-1 lead.

In search of an equaliser, the Naxxar coach turned to his bench and introduced Edward Bolanos in the 55^th minute.

The substitute made an immediate impact, smashing a fierce strike into the far post beyond Lubik. Moments later, Bolanos had a chance to put Naxxar ahead but sent his close-range effort wide.

However, the Lions eventually regained control when Bolanos turned provider, heading the ball down for Edson Farias, who flicked it past the goalkeeper to restore their lead.

Coelho then capitalized on Melita’s defensive struggles, outmuscling his marker to nod in from a corner.

Melita pushed forward in desperation, but Debono produced key saves to deny Marc Bovenkamp and Andre Costa.

Deep in stoppage time, Maicon sealed the victory, finishing off a quick break to make it 5-2 and complete Naxxar’s impressive comeback.