Qormi 2
Farrugia 63; Thackray 78;
Mqabba 1
Nwoba 2;
Stephen Azzopardi’s Qormi produced an impressive second-half comeback to inflict on Mqabba their second defeat in the relegation pool and inch closer to mathematical safety.
Mqabba, who came into the match on the back of successive victories, showed why they were flying high at the moment as they stormed into the lead and looked well in control of proceedings.
However, after the interval there was a completely reversal of fortunes as Qormi, inspired by Jorginho, hit two goals without reply to bag a priceless victory that lifted them six points clear of second-from-bottom Tarxien Rainbows.
Things looked grim for Qormi at the start as Mqabba raced into the lead after only two minutes.
John Nwoba burst throught the Qormi defence before slotting the ball past Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia.
Yet, before that goal, Qormi supporters could have been celebrating one of the cheekiest goals had not Kris Thackray’s shot – straight from the kick-off – sailed just over Kris Calleja’s bar.
That early goal enhanced Mizzi’s plans of trusting in a conservative 4-4-1-1 module as Mqabba showed the industry and determination that has become their trademark this season, but there was no shortage of quality to their play either.
Jorginho’s set-piece delivery came good for Qormi after six minutes when his effort skimmed the post.
But as Mqabba continued to grow in belief, Bojan Mamic moved past substitute Kenneth Scicluna, who had replaced Roderick Sammut at the half-hour mark, with a slick shuffle of feet, advanced on goal before unleashing a low curling shot that finished just wide of Farrugia’s far post.
But the woodwork at the other end was rattled three minutes later, as Jorginho headed a Joseph Farrugia corner against the post.
Stephen Azzopardi, the Qormi coach, announced his intention to throw caution to the wind at the start of the second half as he switched to a 3-5-2 formation.
That tactical change produced more endeavour and explosive power to Qormi’s play in the initial exchanges of the second half.
On the hour mark, Calleja did well to intercept an insidious Farrugia free-kick.
It was breathless stuff and the Qormi skipper equalised three minutes later when Jorginho’s free-kick wide on the right flew into the goalmouth as Farrugia rose above everyone to head the ball home.
Minutes later, Mqabba were rescued by the woodwork when Tristan Caruana sent a teasing cross into the area and Jorginho’s firm header hit the upright with Calleja beaten.
However, Mqabba’s evening took a turn for the worse on 78 minutes.
Jorginho, desperately unlucky to hit the post twice, delivered an inviting free-kick onto the head of Thackray who cheekily nudged the ball in via the foot of the post much to the delight of the Qormi fans.
Qormi
M. Farrugia-6, R. Sammut (30 K. Scicluna-6), J. Farrugia-7, M. Bartolo-6.5, J. Chetcuti-5 (82 L. Sciberras), J. Bondin-6, Jorginho-8 (90 S. Wellman), T. Caruana-6, V. Kouadio-5, K. Thackray-7, A. Bello-Osagie-5.
Mqabba
K. Calleja-6, P. Grima-6.5, M. Potezika-6, B. Timotic-5, M.A. Psaila-6, R. Duca-5, C. Calleja-6 (88 J.P. Muscat), J. Nwoba-7, M. Bonnici-6.5, D. Fenech-6.5, B. Mamic-5 (79 T. Mazitelli).
Referee: Trustan Farrugia Cann.
Yellow cards: Grima, Nwoba, Psaila, Fenech.
BOV player of the match: Jorginho (Qormi).
Attendance: 957.