Ensell Attard strikes late as Marsaxlokk edge Naxxar

NAXXAR LIONS      0

MARSAXLOKK        1
Attard 90

NAXXAR LIONS
M. Debono; F. Gustavo, N. Pace Cocks, Vitinho (53 Firmino), M. Batista, C. Gauci, E. Bolanos (71 J. Hernandez), Rosiel, C. Kontchou, Vinicius, Joao Vitor.

MARSAXLOKK
C. Mafoumbi; O. El Hasni, E. Pepe, N. Muscat, J. Arias, J. Corbalan, Dodo (85 E. Attard), J. Minala (83 N. Portelli), L. Aguirre, M. Barros, M. Ayom (65 W. Silva).

Referee: Emanuel Grech.

Yellow cards: Aguirre, Muscat, Kontchou, Hernandez, Attard.

A dramatic late strike from substitute Ensell Attard handed Marsaxlokk a precious 1-0 victory over Naxxar Lions in a tense encounter.

The Maltese winger, who joined Marsaxlokk from Melita during the summer transfer window, was introduced late in the second half. Barely five minutes later, he made the decisive impact, latching onto a loose ball before firing a low drive past goalkeeper Matthias Debono to seal all three points.

For Naxxar it was another bitter pill to swallow as George Vella’s side remain without a point after their opening two matches of the season.

Both coaches had different approaches to this game. Naxxar made one change from their opening day defeat, handing a start to Brazilian forward Vinicius in place of Amiel Guehi. Marsaxlokk, on the other hand, opted for consistency, with Vincenzo Potenza sticking to the same XI that impressed in their victory over Mosta.

The game started with Vinicius testing Christoffer Mafoumbi with a curling effort, though the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper dealt with it comfortably. Clear-cut chances were scarce in the opening half, with Leandro Aguirre firing wide for Marsaxlokk in one of the few notable opportunities before the first-half water break.

As the half progressed, Naxxar began to find some rhythm, with Vinicius and Vitinho both trying their luck from distance, narrowly missing the target. Joao Vitor also attempted to surprise Mafoumbi with a long-range free-kick, but it lacked the power to trouble the Marsaxlokk shot-stopper. Aguirre came close again for the Southseasiders with a volley, but the deadlock remained at the interval.

After the restart, Naxxar created the first big chance of the half when Rosiel unleashed a powerful strike, forcing Mafoumbi into a sharp save. Marsaxlokk responded with attempts from captain Nikolai Muscat and Enzo Arias, though both failed to find the net. Marcelo Barros also went close with a couple of efforts as Potenza’s side began to build momentum.

Naxxar, however, were not without opportunities. Firmino squandered a golden chance from close range before Vinicius struck the outside of the post in what could have been the winner. Instead, it was Marsaxlokk who struck late through Attard, whose clinical finish settled the contest.

The win maintains Marsaxlokk’s perfect start to the season.