Sliema Wanderers 0
Qormi 0

Sliema Wanderers were left frustrated by a stubborn Qormi side as the Blues could not go beyond a goalless draw yesterday.

The Wanderers held the initiative for long stretches but their approach was devoid of flair and creativity, two key attributes when facing spirited opponents who showed excellent composure, tactical discipline, and above all, resolute defending to repel everything their opponents threw at them.

Qormi’s towering defenders Ousmane Sidibe and Billy Berntsson were in imperious form as they made sure to eliminate any threat posed by the Sliema front-line.

Sliema’s Pedrinho was detailed to fill in the void left by the injured Mark Scerri in central midfield alongside Johann Bezzina. Upfront Michael Mifsud had the support of Rafael Ledesma and Kerlon.

Qormi, on their part, paraded what could be regarded as their full formation, with Jesmond Zerafa fielding an ultra-cautious formation with five defenders and Kurt Magro detailed to offer further cover to the defence in a 5-4-1 set-up.

Sliema’s enterprise contrasted with Qormi’s caution, which was intended as a base for quick counter-attack.

Within the first 10 minutes, Andreas Vella tipped Kerlon’s effort over the bar. Moments later, the Qormi no.1 dived to his left to turn to a corner an effort by Mifsud.

The Wanderers, largely through the industry of Kerlon and better collective play, kept the upper hand.

On the stroke of half-time, a quick exchange between Ledesma and Pedrinho had the latter unleashing a fierce first-timer that saw Vella going down to block the effort.

At the other end, a measured pass to Alex Nilsson brought a whiff of excitement from the Qormi fans before Clifford Gatt Baldacchino’s timely tackle averted danger for Sliema.

After the interval, Qormi attacked straight from the kick-off and Nilsson unsettled the Blues with a dazzling run down the middle channel before he let off a shot which was intercepted by Glenn Zammit, the Sliema goalkeeper.

With Qormi content to shut up shop, Stephen Azzopardi’s men turned to shots from distance.

In fact, on 55 minutes, a long-range drive from Bezzina finished just wide.

This was a cue for Azzopardi to add new fresh legs upfront with Aidan Friggieri replacing Kerlon.

A mistake from Qormi goalkeeper Vella threatened to undo the Yellow-Blacks’ confidence as the custodian dropped a swerving but weak shot from Friggieri but he recovered in time to block the ball.

Nilsson should have scored after 70 minutes when he weaved his way into the Sliema box only to see his scrambled shot finish wide.

With Qormi tiring late on, Sliema carved out a good opportunity at death as Mifsud set up Pedrinho but the Brazilian could not find the net.

Sliema Wanderers
G. Zammit-6, A. Muscat-6 (74 M. Potezica), Pedrinho-6.5, M. Mifsud-6, R. Ledesma-5.5, Kerlon-5 (64 J. Friggieri), C. Gatt Baldacchino-5.5, J. Bezzina-6, G. Muir-6, S. Bianciardi-6 (82 J. Mintoff), L. Dimech-5.5

Qormi
A, Vella-7, A. Cassar-6, O. Sidibe-8, N. Ojoula-7, B. Berntsson-7.5, S. Agius-6.5, K. Magro-6.5 (85 T.Vella), C. Monti-7, C. Gauci-6, R. Micallef-5 (76 J. Chetcuti), A. Nilsson-6.5 (90 E. Vella).

Referee: Sandro Spiteri.

Yellow cards: Muscat, Dimech, Pedrinho, Gatt Baldacchino, Chetcuti.

BOV Player of the match: Andreas Vella (Qormi).

Attendance: 436.