Mosta climbs closer to top half of table

Mosta 3 Mqabba 0

Obinna Obiefule scored twice against Mqabba to help Mosta climb closer to the top half of the table.

However, the first real chance came Mqabba’ way in the 16^th minute when David Fenech drew a routine save from Jonathan Debono. Mosta were quick the ball into Mqabba’s half to Obinna Obiefule who darted into the box, Fenech threw his body in the way of the Nigerian in a desperate late lunge.

The Blues yelled ‘penalty’ but it was not before assistant Paul Apap waved his flag to signal that Fenech fouled the striker and then referee Trustun Farrugia Cann pointed to the spot. A red card was then shown by default to the defender regarded as the last player in an occasion of a direct chance at goal.

The Nigerian picked himself up to send his shot past Calleja to put his team 1-0 up. Oddly enough, Mqabba were playing better with 10 men.

Just before the half-time whistle, Obiefule was on the spot again when Farrugia Cann decided the Nigerian striker had been fouled by Clayton Micallef, although contact was minimal.

The penalty infuriated the Mqabba players but the Reds were sighing with relef few moments later when Obiefule saw his attempt from the spot hit the upright and the ball bounced off to safety. Pandemonium reigned on the pitch and on the sidelines and Raimy was sent off for slapping an opponent.

But Mqabba’s pain increased in the 69th minute when Obiefule was first to a long clearance before he confidently looped the ball over the onrushing keeper.

Steve D’Amato’s side were out of sight twelve minutes from time when Zammit ended a fine solo run with a precise finish that hit the post. However, the striker made no mistake on the rebound lashing in from close range.