Naxxar earn first win of the season

The result was a shock defeat for Pieta, who won two of their last three matches.

The play at first produced few scoring opportunities, but Naxxar were the better side.

They managed to take the lead in the 44th minute, when a throw-in ball by Uchenna Mbachu Emenike, was headed by Ibok in the direction of Daren Falzon who then went on to beat goalkeeper David Cassar with a header.

Seven minutes into the second half, Naxxar doubled their lead thanks to Emenike who had his diagonal shot beat goalkeeper David Cassar.

In the 79th minute, Naxxar increased their lead when substitute Terrence Vella tapped the ball past Pieta’s goalkeeper after receiving a cross from Emenike.

Naxxar made sure they collected all three points after they scored their fourth goal of the match in the 82nd minute – off a bad back pass by Pieta’s Cain Attard, Emenike’s powerful shot left no chance for goalkeeper David Cassar.

PIETÀ HOTSPURS David Cassar, Cleaven Cassar (60’ Luke Micallef), Christian Grech, Leonardo Fortunato dos Santos (77’ Malcolm Licari), Jurgen Pisani, Nicola Tasic (56’ Claudio Frances), Cain Attard, Rafael Rodrigues da Silva, Kyle Cesare, Joao Gabriel Da Silva, Rafael Xavier Zacarias.

Subs not used: Miguel Montford, Terence Agius, Orosco Nbubisi Anonam, Dylan Agius.

Coach: Noel Coleiro

NAXXAR LIONS Julian Azzopardi, Angus Buhagiar, Ryan Gilmour Cassar, Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro, Mattia Del Negro (66’ Victor Bellia), Emmanuel Ibok Edet, Uchenna Mbachu Eminike, Daren Falzon, Sidney Fraga Nery da Silva (17’ Pablo Doffo), Papa Gueye (78’ Terrence Vella), Andrew Scicluna.

Subs not used: Luke Pecorella, Jurgen Debono, Ryan Mercieca, Yaron Sammut.

Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Jurgen Spiteri

Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri

Yellow Cards: Attard, Doffo

Scorers: 44’ Daren Falzon, 52’ Uchenna Emenike Mbachu, 79’ Terrence Vella, 82′ Uchenna Emenike Mbachu

BOV Player of the Match: Uchenna Mbachu Emineke