Mqabba 0

Msida SJ 3

Premier side Msida St Joseph found little dfficulty to overcome struggling First Division opponents Mqabba and cruised easily to the second round of the U*bet FA Trophy.

As expected, the Saints did most of the running and never allowed their opponents to settle into the game. Msida had Carabott missing, but otherwise fielded all their regulars, including the attacking duo of Babatunde and Nwoke who scored a goal apiece and tormented the Mqabba defenders on several other occasions.

In flashes, Mqabba tried to offer some resistance, relying on the experience of their hardworking skipper Albert Busuttil as their main creative force, but the latter found little support from his mates. Anywanna was hardly ever effective up front as the Msida defenders were dominant in the penalty area. Mqabba’s hopes of pulling some surprise ended in frustration.

Mqabba’s initial flurry, with a couple of half chances from Muscat, was downed by Msida’s lead after 19 minutes. Cachia’s free-kick was flicked by Tyrone Farrugia before the onrushing Mqabba keeper Mark Farrugia could reach for the ball and Ibrahim Babatunde rose to head into an unattended goal.

Msida created another good opportunity soon after when Babatunde’s foray on the right took him past the keeper but his cross found no support and the chance went begging.

Mqabba managed to hold on to Msida’s superior pace for the rest of the first half, highlighting the difference in class between the two teams.

The pattern of the game did not change much after the break. Msida enjoyed possession, forcing their opponents to defend in numbers and within four minutes of the restart, they were firmly in command, scoring their second goal. Daniel Nwoke played one two with Sciberras before lobbing the ball over the Mqabba keeper from the edge of the goal area.

Msida, who had substituted Cachia with Pullicino, amassed further goals. Past the hour, defender Micallef’s drive was deflected by the Mqabba’s defence in Paul Fenech’s path. The Msida midfielder steered the ball low past Farrugia to put the issue beyond doubt.

Mqabba’s best chance ironically fell to substitute Mallia in added time, but he was thwarted by a superb save from keeper Borg, his most difficult throughout the entire match.

Mqabba: M. Farrugia, J. Tellus, A. Busuttil, M. Gauci, A. Formosa (K. Mallia), J. P. Muscat, M. Bonnici, U. Anywanna, C. Borg (C. Mifsud), E. Borg, R. Spiteri

Msida SJ: O. Borg, D. Theuma, J. Mifsud, C. Micallef, T. Farrugia, R. Bajada (K. Ebejer), C. Sciberras, D. Cachia (M. Pullicino), P. Fenech, I. Babatunde (L. Micallef), D. Nwoke

Referee: M. Borg asst.refs: A. Camilleri, E. Spiteri 4th official: L. Sammut

Scorers: I. Babatunde, D. Nwoke, P. Fenech