Birkirkara FC Vs. Gzira FC - Match Report

by Clayton Schembri - 20th December 2020

Birkirkara FC extend their positive run to six matches, when yesterday they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Gzira FC. This draw leaves The Stripes eighth in the table on 18 points, ten points behind the leaders Sliema Wanderers before they face a re-scheduled match against Floriana next Tuesday.

On the other hand, Gżira, missed the chance to keep up with leaders Sliema as their gap increases to six points as they sit fourth in the table.

Gzira created their first scoring-opportunity on the 24th minute, with a freekick of Gabriel Bohrer Mentz which was deflected into a corner by the Stripes' backline.

Birkirkara replied four minutes later, when Yannick Yankam darted into the area, but goalkeeper Justin Haber denied him from close-range.

The Stripes had another opportunity to take the lead through forward Federico Falcone, but his towering header sailed over the bar.

The Maroons had another goalscoring chance on the 37th minute, but Sacha Borg's effort off a Nikolai Muscat corner hit the crossbar before Birkirkara cleared the danger away as both teams ended the first half in a goalless stalemate.

Few moments after the break, The Stripes almost took the lead, when Falcone fired a strike from the edge of the area just to see Justin Haber tip the ball over the crossbar and into a corner kick.

The Maroons took the lead on the 64th minute after they were awarded a penalty after Martin Davis was tackled from behind by Kurt Zammit inside the area and from the penalty spot, the same player made no mistake.

After they concede the goal The Stripes started to inch their way up the field, but it was just six minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty, after Justin Haber fouled Luke Montebello inside the area and from the penalty spot the substitute Alex da Paixao Alves made no mistake and pull the Stripes level.

Birkirkara had the chance to win the game in the last minute by Paul Mbong who darted into the box, but his close-range shot was blocked by Haber.

Birkirkara: Sandro Guarnone, Enrico Pepe, Yannick Yankam, Luke Montebello (Roderick Briffa 88'), Kurt Zammit, Reginald Mbu Alidor, Federico Falcone, Cain Attard, Claudio Bonanni (Paul Mbong 75'), Caio Prado (Alex da Paixao 66'), Oscar Carniello.
Coach: Andre Paus

GZIRA: Justin Haber, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz, Steve Borg, Nikolai Muscat, Martin Davis, Nevin Portelli, Jackson Mendoza, Ricardo Correa Duarte, Sacha Borg, Jefferson de Assis, Raphael Kooh Sohna (Amadou Samb 71').
Coach: Darren Abdilla

Referee: Ishmael Barbara
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Paul Apap
Fourth Official: Emanuel Grech
Yellow Cards: F. Falcone, K. Zammit, E. Pepe, J. Mendoza, A. da Paixao, H.Justin.
BOV Player of the Match: Martin Davis

Photo By Stephen Gatt

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