BOV Premier League | Naxxar Lions 1 – Lija Athletic 1

During the first half, both teams shared possession inside the centre of the pitch with neither side trying to be adventurous. In fact, the highlight of the half was brilliant piece of play by Leejoe Schembri that sent Lija ahead.

Lija Created the first chance on goal after twelve minutes. Erjon Beu received the ball on the right flank, ran towards goal, and fired a shot that was neutralised by Christoph Nicht.

Naxxar responded on the 15th minute. Scott James Fenwick hit a low shot from inside the penalty area that went wide.

Lija forged ahead on the 33rd minute. Abubakar Bello Osagie sent a through ball in the direction of Leejoe Schembri who went past Manolito Micallef and finished behind Nicht.

Naxxar improved in the second half and managed to threaten on a number of occasions. On the other hand, Lija took a defensive approach in their attempts to safeguard their advantage.

On the 46th minute, Bello Osagie of Lija hit a shot from the right side of the penalty area that hit the side netting.

Naxxar responded on the 52nd minute. Daniel Mateo Bustos sent a shot from a free-kick that failed to hit the target.

On the 61st minute, Naxxar managed to equalise. Bustos hit a stunning shot from distance that gave Luke Bonnici no chance.

Lija tried to hit back on the 64th minute. From a free kick, Beu sent a cross that was met by Leon Muscat whose effort took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner.

Three minutes later, Bello Osagie of Lija fired a low shot from inside the penalty area that was saved by Nicht.

Naxxar had a great opportunity to go ahead for the first time in the match on the 77th minute. Fenwick received the ball inside the penalty area and fired a diagonal shot that hit the post before it got cleared off the line by Predrag Babic.

On the 84th minute, Naxxar suffered a setback as Elhadji Ousseynou was sent off after being shown his second yellow card.

However, Naxxar kept insisting and had another good opportunity two minutes later. Fenwick sent a dangerous cross towards the unmarked Darren Falzon whose header ended up slightly over.

Naxxar Lions starting line-up: Christoph Nicht, Scott James Fenwick, Ryan Grech, Manolito Micallef, Duane Bonnici, Go Nagaoka (Darren Falzon – 66), Daniel Mateo Bustos, Angus Buhagiar (Mark Fenech – 45), Ndoje Alhadji Ousseynou, Adrian Cascaval, Arnaud Mendy

Lija Athletic starting line-up: Luke Bonnici, Predrag Babic, Leon Muscat, Daniel Scerri, Erjon Beu, Leejoe Schembri (Carl Cassar – 78), Antoine Borg, Abubaker Bello Osagie, Mc Allister Clinch, Ousmane Sidibe, Djamel Leeflang (Marcelo De Souza – 78)

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant Referees: Duncan Siltana, Sammy Attard

Yellow Cards: Bello Osagie (Lija), Elhadji Ousseynou (Naxxar), Scerri (Lija), Leeflang (Lija), Elhadji Ousseynou (Naxxar), Bonnici (Lija)

Red Cards: Elhadyi Ousseynou (Naxxar)

Fourth Official: Eman Grech

BOV Player of the Match: Daniel Mateo Bustos (Naxxar)