Football – First Division KO: Senglea Through with late Abela header

Malta Independent Monday, 19 November 2007, 00:00 Last update: about 14 years ago

A late header from substitute Kenneth Abela put Senglea in the quarter finals of the Knock Out competition. The match played in difficult conditions due to the strong winds was interesting to watch as both sides did their best to qualify to the quarters.

Senglea deserved their victory against a side that showed considerable improvement on their last dismal showing in the FA Trophy. Qormi in fact shared the exchanges for long stretches even deserving their early lead after a very promising start.

However Senglea were more organised in midfield and were the better team especially in the second period. Striker Kenneth Abela, who finished as the best scorer of the division last season with St Patrick, confirmed his deadly finishing by scoring the decisive goal two minutes from time after coming in as a substitute.

Qormi smarting from the five-goal drubbing against Tarxien in the FA Trophy had a promising start with a Joseph Farrugia going slightly wide. On 17 minutes they took the lead when a Jonathan Francica freekick from mid-pitch, completely deceived goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia with the ball finishing in the top corner of the net.

After suffering this setback Senglea started to play better and went very close when Ewurun passed to Joseph Farrugia whose shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia. On 26 minutes Senglea were very unlucky when Mark Tanti’s perfect freekick from the edge of the area hit the crossbar with the Qormi goalkeeper completely beaten.

Qormi broke Senglea’s dominance on 35 minutes with a rare break with Zammit crossing to Anatole Debono whose low shot was saved by George Attard.

Senglea dominated the early stages of the second half going near with a Jason Borg header that went inches wide. On 63 minutes Senglea obtained the equaliser when Mark Tanti scored direct from a freekick that completely beat substitute goalkeeper Joshua Galea who was introduced at the start of the second half.

Senglea continued to pile up the pressure and went very close when a Kenneth Abela header skimmed the crossbar. The match dragged on with play mainly in midfield and was destined for extra time when Senglea scored the winner on 88 minutes. Mark Tanti floated a perfect cross from the right and Kenneth Abela headed in.