Sliema Wanderers Hold Off Mosta FC Fightback to Secure Third Consecutive Victory

Sliema Wanderers continued their impressive early-season form in the VBet Malta Premier League on Sunday evening, outlasting Mosta FC 3-1 to claim their third consecutive win.

What promised to be a comfortable night after a dominant opening period turned into a hard-fought battle of two halves, as Mosta pushed hard after the break before Brian Gambarte wrapped up all three points deep into injury time.

First-Half Blitz Puts Wanderers in Control

Sliema took charge right from the opening whistle, asserting dominance in midfield and creating clear openings early on. Nikolaos Karelis gave Mosta an early warning sign when his firm drive whistled just wide of the target.

The pressure quickly paid off:

• 6th Minute (1-0): Gustavo Alcino latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area and calmly directed his effort past Mosta goalkeeper David Akpan.
• 16th Minute (2-0): Sliema doubled their lead when Nikolaos Karelis showed great composure inside the box, maintaining his balance under pressure to slot the ball neatly into the bottom corner.

Mosta struggled to sustain meaningful attacks for most of the opening period, though they showed glimpses of danger right before the interval. Giancarlo Gonçalves stormed down the right flank and squared a low ball for Nevin Portelli, who failed to connect from close range. Moments later, Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello was forced into a brilliant acrobatic save to deny a acrobatic strike from Gonçalves.

Mosta Fight Back before Gambarte Seals the Match

Mosta emerged for the second period with renewed energy and purpose. While Sliema attempted to manage their advantage, Mosta repeatedly threatened to disrupt their momentum.

• 59th Minute (2-1): The visitors cut the deficit in half when Giancarlo Gonçalves breached the Wanderers’ defensive line, cleverly chipping the ball over the onrushing Bonello and into the back of the net.
• 69th Minute: Mosta came agonizingly close to equalizing. Prince dispossessed Sliema just outside the 18-yard box, allowing Gonçalves to unleash a thumping drive that narrowly missed the post.

Sliema weathered the storm and eventually regained their composure. Defender Joseph Satariano was denied by Akpan on a quick counter in the 74th minute, but the decisive blow came in stoppage time.

• 90+6th Minute (3-1): Substitute Anthony Limbombe drove into the box and hit a cross-shot that Akpan could only parry into the danger area. Brian Gambarte reacted fastest to stab the rebound home, sealing a 3-1 victory for Paul Zammit’s side.

Match Summary