Matchday 13: Valletta 1 Sliema W. 2
15/12/2025
Six days after losing the Malta FA Jubilee Cup to Valletta, Sliema Wanderers took sweet revenge over the Citizens as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 win.
It was a crucial win for the Wanderers, who have now leapfrogged Valletta and join Ħamrun Spartans in second place, four points behind leaders Floriana and three ahead of the Citizens.
Valletta, who had also lost to Ħamrun Spartans in their last league outing, seemed heading towards the three points after taking a first-half lead in a game during which shots at goal were few and far between.
However, the Wanderers had other thoughts and scored twice in the final stages to collect the three points and extend their positive run with a fourth win in six matches.
For Valletta, Thane Micallef made one change to the team which won the Malta FA Jubilee Cup as Thaylor Aldama replaced Zachary Cassar. On the other hand, Paul Zammit opted for seven changes, confirming only Jean Borg, Murilo Freire, Adam Magri Overend, Roko Prsa and Miguel Baggio in the starting line-up.
In an otherwise eventless first half, Valletta managed to take the lead on 34 minutes. Yuri Messias intercepted a pass by Henrique Murillo and advanced on the left before delivering a cross for Brandon Paiber, who chested the ball down and rounded Roko Prsa before slotting past goalkeeper Emeka Kelvin Agu.
Twelve minutes in the second half, Sliema Wanderers went close to equalising when Fernandinho served Wescley on the left but the latter was quick to serve Miguel Baggio, whose fine effort from just outside the area saw Adilson Maringa turn the ball in style into a corner.
Sliema levelled matters on 78 minutes. Jean Borg advanced on left before providing Fernandinho with an assist, and the Brazilian turned to beat the Valletta goalkeeper in the bottom left corner.
Both teams were reduced to ten men four minutes later as substitute Jefferson was sent off for hitting Murilo Freire with the elbow, and the Sliema defender was also sent off after picking up a second yellow card.
One minute from time, Sliema turned the score in their favour.
Miguel Baggio tried his luck with a powerful drive from a distance of around 35 metres out, which was not held by Adilson Maringa, with the ball creeping into the back of the net.
Source: times of malta
VALLETTA: A. Maringa, S. Borg, A. Zammit (62’ Jefferson), B. Paiber, J. Azzopardi (90+2’ K. Ewurum), Y. Yankam (73’ J. Mendoza), S. Brewer, M. Mbende, Y. Messias, S. Radic, T. Aldama.
SLIEMA W.: E. Agu, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend, R. Prsa, K. Nwoko (87’ N. Frendo), G. Alcino (64’ S. Bah), Wescley, M. Freire, Thiaguinho, Fernandinho (90+4’ M. Beerman), M. Baggio.
Scorers: 34′ B. Paiber (V), 78′ Fernandinho, 89′ M. Baggio
Referee: Daniel Portelli
Yellow Cards: M. Baggio, R. Prsa, S. Radic, S. Bah
Red Cards: Jefferson (V) 82, Murillo (S) 82.
