Marsaxlokk close in on Top Six berth, Mosta win derby against Naxxar Lions

Marsaxlokk and Mosta scored important victories for different reasons as they saw off Żabbar St Patrick and Naxxar Lions respectively.

Marsaxlokk needed a resilient performance to overcome the spirited challenge of Żabbar St Patrick and keep alive their hopes of a Top Six berth.

Fred Tsoumou was the hero for the Southerners when he fired home the winner with a wicked effort on 59 minutes that earned his team three crucial points.

Marsaxlokk have moved up to fifth on 17 points, one ahead of Birkirkara and three clear of Hibernians.

The Southerners will seal their spot in the Top Six if they avoid defeat against the Paolites on Saturday.

At the Centenary Stadium, Prince Chibuzor struck twice as Mosta scored three late goals to claim derby honours over Naxxar.

The victory not only boosted their morale but also lifted them above their rivals Naxxar and St Patrick’s into ninth place.

The derby between Naxxar Lions and Mosta carried extra significance, with both sides languishing near the foot of the standings on five points and eager to avoid slipping into the bottom two by the end of the Opening Round.

Both teams entered the match following draws – Naxxar having held champions Ħamrun Spartans, while Mosta shared the spoils with Żabbar St Patrick.

Naxxar started brightly, immediately putting Mosta under pressure and creating a series of half-chances. Vitinha’s swerving effort briefly gave the illusion of a goal, while at the other end Nathan Agius saw his attempt cleared off the line.

On 18 minutes, Mosta goalkeeper David Udoh Akpan produced a fine save to tip Neil Pace Cocks’ shot over the bar.

Three minutes later, Vitinha threatened again with a low drive, but Akpan was equal to the task.

Naxxar continued to look lively on the break, as Amiel Guehi raced down the right flank and squared for Pace Cocks, whose deflected shot was once again kept out by the impressive Akpan.

Mosta then mounted a response through Prince Chibuzor, who burst past the Naxxar defence before setting up Zachary Brincat, but the latter’s low strike was gathered by goalkeeper Matthias Debono.

Naxxar maintained their momentum after the restart, with Rosiel threading a smart pass to Firmino, whose low strike was again repelled by Akpan.

On the hour mark, Firmino came agonisingly close when his thunderous effort crashed against the crossbar.

However, against the run of play, Mosta broke the deadlock when Emmanuel Prince Chibuzor pounced inside the box to slot a low shot into the bottom corner.

Buoyed by the opener, Mosta doubled their lead soon after, as newcomer Simon Zibo rose highest to nod home Nathan Agius’s corner.

Naxxar’s composure crumbled, and Chibuzor took full advantage of another defensive lapse to seal a vital 3-0 victory for Mosta – a result that lifts them out of the danger zone while leaving Naxxar with plenty to reflect on.