NAXXAR LIONS-2, BIRKIRKARA-2
Naxxar Lions produced an amazing comeback as they fought back from two goals down to hold Birkirkara to a 2-2 draw.
What made the Lions' reaction more remarkable was the fact that they played with 10 men for more than 35 minutes after captain Angus Buhagiar was red-carded for two bookings. At that stage, Birkirkara led 2-0 but the Stripes were made to pay for their failure to convert their numerical advantage into more goals as the gallant Lions soldiered on.
Birkirkara struck twice late in the first half to all but secure the points.
The Stripes were the better team for most of the opening 45 minutes but the best chance had fallen to Naxxar Lions only for forward Oussou Sidoine to fire high with only Justin Haber to beat.
The Stripes took the lead five minutes before half-time.
Vito Plut powered forward on the right before supplying a perfect pass to Ryan Scicluna who tapped home from point blank. Bolstered by their opener, Birkirkara pressed for more.
They quickly extendede their lead as Juan Barraso sped into the box after swapping passes with Plut and the Spaniard hit a low cross that was deflected towards Liliu who blasted home at the far post.
Naxxar's evening deteriorated 10 minutes into the second half when captain Angus Buhagiar was sent off after collecting a second booking for bringing down Plut just outside the box.
With Birkirkara leading 2-0 and a man to the good, the game looked over as a contest but Naxxar refused to give up. Birkirkara had the ball in the net midway into the second half as Zach Muscat headed Barraso's cross into the net but the Malta defender was offside.
With 14 minutes remaining, Naxxar revived their hopes. A sloppy backpass was retrieved by Toure who advanced before hitting past Haber. This goal should have awakened Birkirkara but the unexpected happened as Naxxar equalised 10 minutes from time.
After clearing a free-kick, the Lions, boosted by a double substitution from coach Clive Mizzi, broke on the counter. Latching on to a long pass, Duane Bonnici, who had replaced Debono, ran into the box but his shot was beaten away by Haber. Toure's follow-on effort was blocked by Scicluna but Cardozo sent a low shot into the net from the edge of the box.
Birkirkara tried to make a reaction. They should have regained the lead when substitute Edward Herrera's corner was deflected towards the far post but Zach Muscat drove high in front of a gaping goal.
Marcelina, the Birkirkara midfielder, was named BOV player of the match.