BOV Premier League | Qormi 2 – Pietà Hotspurs 2

The first match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium saw the teams of Qormi and Pietà facing off each other. Both teams came into this match looking to win in order to boost their chances of securing their Premier League status as early as possible.

Qormi were coming from a narrow 1-0 win over Senglea and a 4-2 defeat against Balzan. On the other hand, Pietà lost 2-1 in their opening two matches against Hibernians and Birkirkara and thus they were looking to win their first points against another newly promoted side.

During the early stages of the match, both Pietà and Qormi shared possession inside the centre of the pitch with neither side threatening the opposing defence.

In fact, the first chance on goal was created on the 22nd minute. Yankam Yannick of Pietà hit a low shot that was neutralised by Jamie Azzopardi without much difficulty.

Qormi hit back and broke the deadlock on the half hour mark. Iven Zammit delivered a cross from the left towards the unmarked Manolito Micallef who placed the ball past Nicholas George Vella from close range.

Brian Spiteri’s side nearly added another two minutes later. Following a long ball forward, Vella failed to hold on to the ball. Yannick Yankam took the rebound, but saw his effort from inside the penalty area stamping off the post.

Qormi paid harshly for losing this opportunity as Pietà equalised on the 39th minute. From a free-kick, Neil Pace Cocks delivered the ball towards Antonio Orlando Macedo Neto who headed the ball inside the net.

Pietà had another chance on goal a minute later as Gabriel Mensah was played through on goal, but lost his composure and Jamie Azzopardi collected the ball.

Ramon Zammit's team remained on the offensive till the half-time whistle. Despite this, they were unable to break Qormi’s defence once more as the first half finished 1-1.

Qormi made a good start to the second half and regained the lead on the 53rd minute. Tensior Gusman found space on the edge of the penalty area and placed the ball behind Vella.

The First Division champions lost a golden opportunity to score again on the 62nd minute. Christian Grech brought down Mario Andres Arrieta inside the penalty area and the referee pointed towards the spot. Arrieta took charge of the spot-kick himself, but was denied by Vella.

Knowing that they were still in the game, Pietà gave it all they can in order to equalise. They went close on the 80th minute. Paul Chimezie went inside the penalty area down the left flank and hit a shot that was blocked by Azzopardi.

Their efforts paid off one minute from time. Qormi’s defence failed to clear their marks as Gabriel Mesah made the most out of the lack of communication between the opposing defence. The twenty-two year old forward ran inside the penalty and concluded inside the net.

Following this goal, there wasn’t enough time for Qormi to hit back as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Qormi starting line-up: Jamie Azzopardi, Mario Andres Arrieta, Davide Mansi, Yannick Yankam, Seo In Kim, Manolito Micallef, Joseph Gaetano Gesualdi, Lubos Adamec, Kassiano Mendonca Soares, Iven Zammit, Tensior Gusman

Pieta Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas George Vella, Takaki Ose, Christian Joseph Degabriele, Neil Pace Cocks, Dylan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Gabriel Mensah, Christian Grech, Irimiya Ishaya Jalo, Antonio Orlando Macedo Neto

Referee: Jude Admin Utulu

Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Roberto Vella

Fourth Official: Shaun Calleja

BOV Player of the Match: Iven Zammit (Qormi)