Tarxien Rainbows 0
Naxxar Lions 1
Bakare 22;
Raimi Bakare eased Naxxar Lions’ fraying nerves with a superb strike that went some way towards lifting his team’s spirits in the Relegation Pool.
After snapping a dismal run of nine matches without a win, Naxxar have now strengthened their self-belief immeasurably as they further boosted their salvation bid following this hard-earned victory over Tarxien Rainbows.
Naxxar coach Winston Muscat awarded a first-team recall to Thiago Lopes who filled the void left by the absence of Kurt Drago as Gilmar, suspended, was replaced by Terence Scerri.
Tarxien’s initial formation featured two changes from the 1-1 draw against Vittoriosa Stars in their previous match as Steven Sadowski and Miguel Ciantar replaced Carlo Mamo and Karl Pulo, both suspended.
The sparse crowd at the stadium had to wait until the 20th minute for the first shot on goal from either side. This came following a quick foray into Tarxien territory with Naxxar midfielder Filip Stojanovic letting fly a rising shot from 25 metres out that went wide.
But two minutes later, retrieving possession on the halfway line, Bakare strode forward before unleashing a stunning drive that soared into the top corner of the net as goalkeeper Nicky Vella looked on helplessly.
Bakare’s scorcher, arguably one of the best goals of the season, left a galvanising effect on Naxxar. On 27 minutes, Angus Buhagiar drifted infield from the right before firing a diagonal shot that ended wide.
The strong winds blowing across Ta’ Qali did little to enrich the entertainment value of the proceedings. As a result scoring chances came at a premium.
The Rainbows toiled to cope with Naxxar’s pressure and that prompted coach Clive Mizzi to effect a double substitution at half-time – Fernando Lopez and Ryan Sammut making way for Lucas and Steve Bonnici respectively.
Tarxien had a corner right on the hour. Jorge’s inswinger eluded the Naxxar defence but Lucas headed wide.
With nine minutes remaining, Sadowski rescued Tarxien from a dangerous situation as he made a timely block on Milan Vignjevic, who had replaced Andre Rocha da Silva early in the match, after good work from Daren Falzon.
At the death, the Rainbows staged a belated reaction.
A Carlos Hevia free-kick flew over the wall and goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi but to the Lions’ huge relief, the ball ended wide.
Tarxien Rainbows
N. Vella-6, S. Sadowski-6, M. Caruana-5, F. Lopez-5 (46 Lucas-5.5), D. Toure-5.5, M. Ciantar-5 (57 A. Agius-5), R. Sammut-5 (46 S. Bonnici-5), C. Hevia-7, D.M. Bueno-4.5, J. Mifsud-5, Jorge-5.
Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-6, R. Bakare-6.5, V. Bellia-7, A. Buhagiar-6, A. Decesare-6, D. Falzon-5.5, T. Scerri-5, D. Reano-5, A. Rocha da Silva (13 M. Vignjevic-6), F. Stojanovic-6.5, Thiago-5.
Referee: Paul Caruana.
Yellow cards: Thiago, Stojanovic, Decesare, Bueno, Falzon, Lucas.
BOV player of the match: Victor Bellia (Naxxar Lions).