Watch: Floriana fight back for crucial win over Marsaxlokk to boost title aspirations

FLORIANA                2

Sasere 62

El Hasni 85

MARSAXLOKK        1

Muscat 56

FLORIANA
C. Mafoumbi; O. El Hasni, J. Grech, D. Vella (87 Z. Scerri), O. Spiteri, M. Garcia (77 J. Becerra) , C. Lonardelli (77 A. Garzia), G. Gamarra, F. Sasere, A. Kouro, J. Gomes (87 E. Mashike).

MARSAXLOKK
M. Calleja Cremona; K. Micallef (87 E. Pena Beltre), N. Muscat, Yuri, J. Corbalan, Dodo (72 D. Bonnici), J. Arias, L. Lopez, A. Aguiar, L. Aguirre, R. Scicluna (65 M. Adamec).

Referee: Ishmael Barbara.

Yellow cards: Sasere, Scicluna.

Floriana staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a crucial victory against Marsaxlokk in their second Top Six encounter.

The win sees the Greens move level on 22 points with Marsaxlokk, with three matches remaining before the end of the Top Six.

Despite already securing a place in the title play-offs, should they be required, Floriana have their eyes set on topping the Closing Round to ensure to win the league crown without playing the play-offs after topping the Opening Round Top Six.

The match marked a significant milestone for Floriana’s coach Darren Abdilla, celebrating his 200^th top-flight match.

Early on, Jake Grech tested Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona with a threatening shot, setting the tone for Floriana’s attacking intent.

Marsaxlokk responded with danger of their own as Dodo’s close-range header was superbly saved by Floriana keeper Mafoumbi in the 14^th minute. Alex Aguiar also came close but was denied by Mafoumbi as Marsaxlokk pushed for an opener.

Floriana’s claims for a penalty intensified when Alex Aguiar’s handball inside the box sparked protests, with the Greens arguing it was not in a natural position. Referee Ishmael Barbara waved away the appeals.

The first half concluded with Matias Garcia failing to trouble Marsaxlokk, summing up Floriana’s initial struggles in the final third despite their defensive solidity.

After the break, Marsaxlokk broke the deadlock through Nikolai Muscat, capitalizing on a precise through ball from Aguiar that caught the Floriana defense off guard.

Floriana, however, responded swiftly. Fernandinho was fouled inside the box, leading to Franklin Sasere converting the penalty and leveling the score, much to the relief of the Greens’ camp.

In a tense finale, Floriana seized the lead from a corner as El Hasni’s header from Jake Grech’s delivery found the back of the net, putting Floriana ahead with just minutes remaining.

The result leaves Floriana in a strong position heading into the final matches, while Marsaxlokk were left rueing missed opportunities that could have widened the gap at the top.