Impressive Comeback

Valletta came back from two goals down as they scored five in the second half to beat Sliema Wanderers 5-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Danial Mitev put Sliema ahead after just three minutes with a free kick with the ball hitting the upright before ending at the back of the net.

The Wanderers doubled the score on 16 minutes as Danial Mitev’s powerful free kick proved too strong for Andrew Hogg. Five minutes in the second half, Valletta reduced the gap through substitute Edmond Agius who received the ball from a short clearance by the Sliema rear-guard and beat Bonello with a powerful shot from the left.

On the hour, Valletta equalised thanks to another substitute – Ousseni Zongo who received a cross from the left by Denni and slammed the ball past the Sliema custodian. The Citizens forged ahead on 68 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Steve Bezzina pushed Mifsud inside the penalty area. Bezzina was given marching orders by referee Kevin Azzopardi and Michael Mifsud scored Valletta’s third goal from the penalty spot.

Mifsud could have added another goal on 77 minutes but his powerful shot from inside the area hit the two posts before being cleared into safety. Ousseni Zongo made it 4-2 on 79 minutes with a rising shot from the left which gave Bonello no chance.

Two minutes from time, off a cross from the right by Michael Mifsud, Alfred Effiong headed the ball home to seal the issue with a fifth goal.

SLIEMA : Henry Bonello, Ryan Grech (72‘ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Mark Scerri, Danial Mitev, Steve Bezzina, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Ryan Fenech, Rumen Galabov, Roderick Bajada, Emiliano Lattes, Beppe Muscat (63’ Alex Muscat).
Subs not used: Anthony Curmi, Josef Mifsud, Ryan Dalli, Timothy Thomas, Cleavon Frendo.
Coach: Danilo Doncic
Asst. Coach: Saviour Debono Grech

VALLETTA : Andrew Hogg, Steve Borg, Ian Azzopardi, Roderick Briffa, Gilbert Agius, Denni Rocha dos Santos, Denni Rocha dos Santos, William Barbosa (32’ Edmond Agius), Michael Mfisud, Jonathan Caruana, Alfred Effiong, Dyson Falzon (32’ Ousseni Zongo).
Subs not used: Matthew Towns, Ramon dos Santos, Samir Arab, Siraj Arab, Jamie Pace.
Coach: Leonard Farrugia
Asst Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Roberto Vella
Fourth Official: Esther Azzopardi
Yellow Cards: R. Grech
Red Cards: 67’ Steve Bezzina
Scorers: 3’ Danial Mitev (S); 16’ Danial Mitev (S); 50’ Edmond Agius (V); 60’ Ousseni Zongo (V); 68’ Michael Mifsud pen (V); 79’ Ousseni Zongo (V) 88’ Alfred Effiong (V)
Attendance: 1,494

Photos by Stiefnu De Battista | Article by maltafootball.com