Tarxien R 2

Marsaxlokk 4

Obinna Obiefule was in devastating form yesterday, scoring a brace in the process, as he led his side back to winning ways in an entertaining match.

For Marsaxlokk this was the second victory of the season after a five-match barren spell, in which only one point was collected.

Apart from Obiefule’s heroics, Martin Deanov and Emilino Lattes played a great part in Marsaxlokk’s return to winning form.

The match was spectacular to say the least, especially in the first half. Tarxien, who suffered their second consecutive defeat, had their good moments with Daniel Mariano Bueno scoring two breath-taking goals.

The match couldn’t have had a better start with three goals scored inside the first 15 minutes of the match.

In the fourth minute Tarxien took the lead when Daniel Mariano Bueno scored a gem of a goal with a beauty from 30 metres that left Reuben Gauci staring.

But Marsaxlokk were not upset by this with Obiefule and Deanov ripping the Tarxien defence apart. On nine minutes Marsaxlokk drew level when Obiefule left three defenders in his path and was floored outside the area, but in romped Martin Deanov who rounded the Tarxien goalkeeper before planting at the back of the net.

Five minutes later Marsaxlokk took the lead when following a good combination between Martin Deanov and Obiefule, the latter was floored by Mariano Bueno for an obvious penalty. From the penalty spot Obiefule converted in style.

Marsaxlokk continued to attack with Compagnoli missing an easy chance in front of goal heading well over the bar a good cross by Martin Deanov. Tarxien re-grouped their efforts as they started to play better in search of the equaliser.

On the half hour, Mariano Bueno passed towards Ricardo Costa, whose fierce grounder was well saved by Gauci. Eight minutes later Tarxien were back on level terms with a well orchestrated move between Daniel Mariano Bueno and Everton Pereira, with the former first timing beautifully in the top corner of the net. 

The second half was less intense as both sides reduced their tempo. Garcia Suguino tried his luck from the edge of the area before being substituted. On the other end Lattes and Deanov had shots going well over the bar.

On 70 minutes Julian Vella brought the best out of Reuben Gauci direct from a freekick, and five minutes later Marsaxlokk were back in front. Obinna Obiefule was again devastating rounding a couple of defenders before shooting at goal. David Cassar could only partially save and from the rebound Emiliano Lattes fired the ball home.

Tarxien had a good chance of obtaining the equaliser some minutes later but Ricardo Costa failed to connect in front of goal.

Deep in stoppage time Marsaxlokk sealed the issue when Obinna Obiefule crowned a five-star performance when he scored from close range following a good run on the right by Lattes.

Tarxien R - D. Cassar, S. Sadowski, E. Pereira, S. Giglio, R. Costa, D. Bueno, J. Vella (K. Pulo 78 min), O. Anonam, L. Galea, C. Garcia Suguino (R. A. Galvao 67 min), J. Grioli (L. Vella Critien 87 min)

Marsaxlokk – R. Gauci, C. Mamo, M. Licari, C. Brincat, E. Compagnoli, F. Reimy, P. Borg (J. Xerri 90  min), E. Lattes, D. Kokavessis (J. C. Vella 93 min), O. Obiefule, M. Deanov (S. Eboh 84 min).

Scorers – D. Mariano Bueno 4 min, M. Deanov 9 min, O. Obiefule 15 min pen, D. Mariano Bueno 38 min, E. Lattes 76 min, O. Obiefule 92 min

Referee – Ross Dunlop (N. Ireland)

Ass. Referees – Tony Sharkey (N. Ireland), William Debattista

Fourth Official – Trustan Farugia Cann

Yellow cards – D. Mariano Bueno, L. Galea, S. Sadowski

Player of the match – Obinna Obiefule (Marsaxlokk)

TMI best three – 1. O. Obiefule, 2. M. Deanov, 3. D. Mariano Bueno