El Hasni’s late strike hands Marsaxlokk first win in Closing Round

Marsaxlokk clinched their first win in the YoHealth Malta Premier League Closing Round as a late goal from Oualid El Hasni earned them a 2-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows.

The Southerners were desperate to take all three points after a disappointing start to the second phase, which saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat to Gżira United.

Vincenza Potenza’s troops were off to a bright star as they managed to take the lead after only 15 minutes of play.

Ulises Arias was the architect, delivering a fine pass towards Dodo Soares, who adjusted his body to perfection and fired past Tarxien goalkeeper Andrea Cassar.

Tarxien tried to fight back but they struggled to create any scoring opportunities.

Instead, it was Marsaxlokk who almost struck again nine minutes from the break.

Juan Corbalan’s cross found Dodo, who, this time, headed wide.

In stoppage time, Tarxien goalkeeper Cassar had to show his best reflexes to keep up Nevin Portelli’s effort.

Tarxien’s reaction finally arrived after the break, when Mosquera’s shot was turned to a corner by Matthew Calleja Cremona.

However, a minute later, Nhaysson connected to Da Silva Barbosa’s cross and his firm header flew past Calleja Cremona and into the net.

Marsaxlokk tried to respond, and Cassar produced a spectacular save to push away Leandro Aguirre’s effort.

Still, the southerners managed to find the winner two minutes from time.

Enrico Pepe was unlucky to see his header hit the upright, but El Hasni was the fastest to react and fire home to hand Marsaxlokk a crucial win.