The Malta Independent on Sunday
Mosta make sure of points in first half
Mosta were back in the groove after their reverse against Tarxien, capitalising on Rabat’s defensive frailties to beat them with two first half goals and plenty to spare.
This win lifts them in third place, on equal points with Hibernians, who have to play today, one point adrift of Birkirkara.
Mosta made three changes from their defeat before the international break. Defenders Mano Micallef and Ferdinando Apap were dropped to make way for Alex Cini and Steve Bezzina. Forward Firas Aboulezz was returning from suspension, with Joanthan Bajada making way.
Rabat were buoyed by their prestigious draw against Hamrun Spartans and the return of Clive Brincat in defence after suspension. But they suffered an early setback that might have had a tellling effect on the final outcome. After hardly two minutes, Smeir suffered a serious ankle injury in a tackle with Cini and had to be hospitalised.
Rabat put in Joseph Caruana in midfield as Fuster moved wide on the left. Rabat were better in the early exchanges and on the quarter hour , on Cini’s poor clearance following a Backhaus sailing free kick from the right, the ball fell to Fuster who tested keeper Haber with a poeerful shot from a tight angle.
Mosta replied with tame efforts from Aboulezz and Mitev but hardly troubled Rabat keeper Jonathan Azzopardi, until midway through the half when Rabat fell behind with a sloppy goal.
Mitev’s direct free kick from some 25 metres out from the right caught the Rabat keeper completely out of position and ended at the far top corner behind his back.
Rabat were rattled as Mosta took the bit between their teeth. On the half hour Obiefule reaped havoc insisde the Rabat area, got the better of his opponent and the keep- er but David Azzopardi cleared his goalbound effort on the line.
Not surprisingly, Rabat’s deficit doubled on 39 minutes. Zongo delivered a deep cross from the right and Obinna Obiefule rose high above Caruana to head past the helpless goalkeeper and score his sixth league goal of the season.
After Aboulezz shot his free kick over, Rabat created a half chance just before the break. Astrauskas was blocked by Dimech inside the area, but Gauci shot the loose ball off target.
Mosta could defend their lead with minimal difficulty in the second half as Carlos Campagnoli and Ryan Grech stifled all of Rabat’s efforts in midfield, providing good cover to their defenec. Rabat laboured in their build-ups despite the organisational play of Bakhaus in midfield and the intelligent play of Fuster in flashes.
The latter played a quick free kick to put Astrauskas clear on the left but the Rabat forward feigned his fall inside the area as he was blocked by keeper Haber and was eventually booked for simulation.
Mosta’s immediate reply on 53 minutes almost brought about their third goal. Obiefule did the work on the left, crossed low for Mitev to lay the ball in the path of Zongo, whose shot rebounded off the foot of the post with the Rabat keeper beaten.
Towards the hour, Obiefule powered his way inside the Rabat area but hit horrendously wide.
There was still time for Daniel Bogdanovic to make a substitute appearance for the last ten minutes, as he continues his course towards full recovery.