FA Trophy | Mosta 2 – Sliema Wanderers 1

Sliema started well and created a promising opportunity after nine minutes. Younes Marzouk’s shot ended up slightly over.

However, as time went by, Mosta gained confidence and forged ahead on the 22nd minute. Yuri Cisotti’s cross from a corner was met by Kyle Frendo who headed the ball past Jake Galea.

The Wanderers hit back immediately. From a free-kick, Matias Muchardi delivered the ball towards Marzouk whose effort sailed centimetres off target.

Sliema’s efforts paid off three-minutes from half-time. Marzouk hit a low shot from the edge of the area that gave Mosta’s debutant goalkeeper no chance.

Sliema tried to impose themselves during the second half. However, they found a tactically disciplined side in front of them who were strong in defence and also dangerous in the final third of the pitch.

Mosta retained their lead five minutes into the second half. From a free-kick, Rafael Da Silva Morisco sent a shot which Galea failed to neutralise as the ball fell from his hands. Davy N’Guessan Angan took the rebound and placed the ball inside the net.

Mark Miller’s side created another opportunity on the 58th minute. Morisco fired a powerful drive that went high.

Sliema replied two minutes later. Muchardi made space for himself inside the penalty area, but his volley failed to hit the target.

The Wanderers kept on pushing forward and threatened Sliema again on the 65th minute. Marzouk’s delivery from a free-kick went into the direction of Jefferson de Assis whose effort went wide.

Sliema pushed hard during the remaining minutes, but could not find a way past Mosta’s defence as John Buttigieg’s side are eliminated from the FA Trophy.

Mosta starting line-up: Stephane Yves Moto, Gianluca Cuomo, Kyle Frendo, Massimo Sammartino, Dexter Xuereb, Da Silva Rafael Morisco, Davy N`Guessan Angan, Tyrone Farrugia, Akeem Garnet Roach, Zachary Brincat, Juri Cisotti

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Jake Galea, Matias Muchardi, Kurt Shaw, Mark Scerri, Jefferson De Assis, Ashong Nii Nortey, Frank Temile, Michele Sansone, Goran Adamovic, Stefano Biancardi, Younes Marzouk

Referee: Alan Mario Sant

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Theodore Zammit

Fourth Official: Etienne Mangion