St George’s 1
Mqabba 0

A goal in the first half put St George’s into the next round as they beat fellow Division One strugglers Mqabba.

Mqabba came close first on 20 minutes when Nicholas Zahra just missed the target from the edge of the area following a powerful run on the right by Stephane Sylla Monaisse.

The Saints hit back when Jean Paul Nomel was set free by Dalatu Ayuba but Jonathan Debono rushed out of goal to block the striker’s shot.

The Saints deservedly took the lead on 35 minutes. Emerson Amaira pumped in a cross and Ayuba headed down into the path of Nomel who beat Debono with a firm header.

Just before the break the Saints defence was caught napping and Junior Elijah Obagbemiro almost had the better of keeper Claude Carbonaro.

The pace slowed down as the second half got underway.

On 62 minutes an Uwadia’s effort finished just wide of the Mqabba goal and a few minutes later Obagbemiro rose high inside the St George’s box but headed just wide.

The Saints could have sealed the issue on 79 minutes when Ayuba pulled the ball back to substitute Timmy Thomas who hit badly from inside the box.

Mqabba pushed forward in search of an equaliser but at the other end Thomas again failed to find the net from a good position after being put through by Emerson Amaira.

St George’s: C. Carbonaro, M. Mamo, E. Amaira, B. Dalato Ayoba, J. Ogunnupe (T. Thomas), I. Uwadia, N. Falzon, H. Vella (U. Nwoko), C. Farrugia, J.P. Nomel (L. Vella), K. Abela.

Mqabba: J. Debono, C. Farrugia, N. Zahra (K. Falzon), S. Sylla Monaisse, C. Calleja, A. Farrugia, M. Baldacchino (C. Farrugia), K. Farrugia, J. Elijah Obagbemiro, B. Grech, I. Galea.

Referee: Emmanuel Grech.

Today’s ties
(Centenary Stadium): 6pm Sta Venera vs Għargħur; 8.15pm Rabat Ajax vs Melita.
(Tedesco Stadium): 6pm Żabbar SP vs Gżira; 8.15pm Pietà vs Żejtun.

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