Matchday 16: Valletta 0 Floriana 0
10/01/2026
Floriana surrendered top spot in the final match of the Opening Round after being held to a goalless draw by Valletta, allowing Ħamrun Spartans to overtake them with a simultaneous victory over Sliema Wanderers. Floriana failed to capitalise on Valletta’s early numerical disadvantage and later found themselves reduced to ten men as well, shortly before the hour mark.
Floriana handed debuts to Bosnian defender Alan Kurtalić and former Sliema player Myles Beerman, who returned to the club where he began his career. Valletta, meanwhile, named Diogo Tavares in their starting line-up for his debut following a positive season with Żabbar St Patrick. However, his first appearance was short-lived as he was sent off before the quarter-hour mark. Valletta were also without the suspended Yuri Messias.
After just ninety seconds, Yannick Yankam nearly punished a mistake by Floriana goalkeeper Guilherme Cioletti, who misplaced a low pass, but the Valletta forward’s attempt with the goalkeeper out of position drifted narrowly wide.
Valletta remained dangerous and, in the fifth minute, a cross from Tavares was poorly controlled by Beerman, allowing Andrea Zammit to strike, only for Cioletti to make a fine save.
The turning point came in the 13th minute when Tavares caught Zach Scerri with a high challenge. Referee Ishmael Barbara initially showed a yellow card, but after consulting the FVS following a Floriana request, the decision was upgraded to a red card, ending Tavares’ debut prematurely.
Despite being a man down, Valletta held their shape well as Floriana gradually increased the pressure. Around the half-hour mark, Jake Grech attempted a curling effort from outside the area that sailed over the bar. In the 37th minute, from a Grech corner, Owen Spiteri’s effort was deflected behind by Emmanuel Mbende.
Floriana’s numerical advantage was cancelled out in the 56th minute when Charles M’Mombwa was shown a red card after FVS review confirmed he had kicked Sava Radić, marking his second dismissal against Valletta this season.
Soon after the hour, Valletta went close when Emmanuel Mbende struck towards goal while Cioletti was on the ground, only for Owen Spiteri to clear the ball off the line with a headed intervention. Midway through the second half, Aldama’s effort was saved by Cioletti, although the move was later halted for offside.
Floriana appealed for a penalty three minutes from time after Mustapha Jah went down in the box, but following a review, referee Barbara waved play on.
Floriana had two late chances in stoppage time. The best came in the 90th minute when substitute Mattia Veselji delivered a cross to three unmarked Floriana players, but Jah headed over from close range. In the 93rd minute, Federico Varela found himself in a promising position but hesitated, allowing Radić to recover and make a crucial tackle.
The final opportunity fell to Valletta as substitute Keyon Ewurum broke down the left flank, but his cross failed to reach fellow substitute Stijn Meijer, ensuring the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Valletta: Adilson Maringa, Sava Radic, Emmanuel Mbende, Steve Borg, Thaylor Aldama, Shaft Brewer, Brandon Paiber (85′ Jackson Mendoza), Jake Azzopardi, Yannick Yankam (77′ Keyon Ewurum), Diogo Tavares, Andrea Zammit (61′ Stijn Meijer)
Floriana: Guilherme Cioletti, Zachary Scerri (65′ Mattia Veselji), Myles Beerman, Owen Spiteri, iago Mendonca, Dunstan Vella (65′ Kenan Dervisagic), Charles M’Mombwa, Alen Kurtalic. Jake Grech, Federico Varela, Mustapha Jah
Yellow cards: S. Radic (V)
Red cards: 13′ Diago Tavares (V), 56′ Charles M’Mombwa
Referee: I. Barbara
