Sliema keeper Henry Bonello intercepts a cross inside his box. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Birkirkara 1
Toure 69;
Sliema Wanderers 1
Muchardi 80;

A late goal from Argentine midfielder Matthias Muchardi rescued Sliema Wanderers from defeat to champions Birkirkara in an enticing encounter that came to life in the second half.

The Blues had labelled this encounter as an ideal test to gauge their title credentials and for much of the first half they looked to have held a slight edge as the Stripes struggled to settle down.

However, after the change of ends Birkirkara started to impose themselves and their efforts were rewarded when Demba Toure put them ahead.

But Sliema were determined to make their point and their gallant efforts were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes from time for them to preserve their unbeaten start to their Premier League trek and deny the Stripes from a second successive win after beating Rabat 2-1 last week.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, had to make do without Frank Temile, the team’s match-winner last week.

New signing Matheus Bissi da Silva was drafted straight into the starting formation as the Brazilian centre-half was at the heart of a three-man defence alongside Zach Muscat and Alejandro Mendoza.

In Temile’s absence, Toure and Shola Haruna filled the two attacking berths with Ryan Scicluna replacing the suspended Edward Herrera. Joseph Zerafa was preferred to Ryan Camenzuli.

Sliema coach Alfonso Greco resisted the temptation of giving a start to new signing Aboubakar Bello Osagie as the Italian opted to keep faith with the same starting XI that shone in their 4-0 demolition of Qormi in their season opener.

As expected, the match was a battle of wits with the Wanderers creating the first chance early on when Alex Muscat picked Stanley Ohawuchi on the edge of the area but the Nigerian’s volley was neutralised by Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber.

The Wanderers remained slightly the better side but they had to wait until the 23rd minute for their next opportunity when in a quick break Muscat released Pape Guaye who was anticipated by Haber.

Birkirkara hit back on 26 minutes. Zerafa burst clear on the left before sending a dangerous low cross towards Toure but the Senegalese striker failed to make contact with the ball and the chance went abegging.

Henry Bonello, the Sliema goalkeeper, made his first stop on 31 minutes when he did well to neutralise a fierce Haruna drive.

Sliema created a good chance four minutes from the break when in a flowing move Guaye released Ohawuchi who took a touch too many before blasting wide.

Perhaps, the best chance of the opening 45 minutes came on the stroke of half-time when Paul Fenech’s dipping cross picked the unmarked Toure whose header was somehow kept out by Sliema’s Bonello.

The second half was off to an enterprising start with both teams coming close to an opener.

First, Scicluna sent a fine cross towards Toure whose downward header was ably kept out by Bonello. From the rebound, Rowen Muscat fired a shot against the upright from routine distance.

Then, Ohawuchi embarked on a surging run that saw him hit a powerful drive which, however, lacked precision and flew off target.

On 63 minutes, Birkirkara had another good opportunity when Fenech’s wayward cross was picked by Muscat who quickly directed the ball towards goal but his shot finished over.

Four minutes later, Greco withdrew the tiring Gueye and introduced Bello-Osagie. However, it was Birkirkara who struck midway through the half.

Shola Haruna intercepted a loose ball and quickly sped clear inside the Sliema box before setting up Toure who directed his header over Bonello and into the Sliema net.

Toure almost made it 2-0 on 72 minutes when he did well to reach Scicluna’s pass but his shot was too central to trouble Bonello.

Sliema refused to buckle and drew level ten minutes from time.

After winning a free-kick in the middle of the park, Barbetti’s cross was partially cleared by the Stripes defence with the ball falling into the path of Muchardi who hit a sizzling volley that flew past Haber.

Muchardi could have given the Wanderers victory late on.

The Argentine stepped up to take a free-kick on the right wing only to see his effort just missing the target with Haber beaten as the stalemate prevailed.

Birkirkara
J. Haber-6, A. Mendoza-6, Z. Muscat-6, J. Zerafa-6, M. Bissi Da Silva-6, P. Fenech-6.5, G. Sciberras-6.5, R. Muscat-6.5 (90 R. Camenzuli), S. Haruna-6.5 (79 T. Vella), R. Scicluna-7 (89 J.P. Mifsud Triganza), D. Toure-6.5.

Sliema Wanderers
H. Bonello-6.5, A. Muscat-7, J. Borg-6, P. Barbetti-6, J. Mintoff-5.5 (77 T. Cilia), M. Scerri-5.5, S. Ohawuchi-6, C. Gatt Baldacchino-6, P. Gueye-5 (67 A. Bello-Osagie-5), M. Muchardi-6.5, S. Bianciardi-7.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.

Yellow cards: Guaye, Scerri, Matheus, Zerafa, Mendoza, Muscat.

BOV Player of the match: Matthias Muchardi (Sliema Wanderers).

Standings