Match Report Birkirkara FC Vs. Zejtun Corinthians FC

by Clayton Schembri - 6th February 2021

Birkirkara FC extended their unbeaten run to twelve matches, when yesterday they produced a stunning performance to defeat Zejtun Corinthians FC with a comfortable 3-0 score. This was the third consecutive victory for the Stripes in the BOV Premier League.

The Stripes moved back alone in fourth place on thirty-four points, one point under third place Gzira United FC.

Coach Andre Paus gave the nod right from the start to Goalkeeper Amara Sylla who made his debut with the senior team. Owen Sciberras was another debutant in this match, who did the first ever appearance. Francesco Verde replaced the suspended Cain Attard and Caio Prado replaced Luke Montebello.

Birkirkara registered the perfect start as they surged ahead after 12 minutes. Paul Mbong was pushed inside the area by Kemar Reid with the referee pointing to the spot. Alex Alves stepped up and saw his effort partially blocked by Ibrahim Kone, but from the rebound the Brazilian placed the ball at the back of the net.

Zejtun tried to react and went close two minutes later, when Lucas Moreira connected to Vitor Vieira's delivery from a corner-kick but his header just missed the upright.

The Stripes remained the better side and on the 40 minutes, Yannik Yankam should have added a second goal following a neat combination in midfield but was denied by the onrushing Kone.

After the break, one would have expected the Blues to step-up their game, but it was The Stripes who killed off the match with a second goal. Alex Alves beat the Żejtun offside trap and sped into the area before squaring the ball to the unmarked Caio who hit low past the Zejtun goalkeeper.

The Stripes went close the third goal on the 73 minutes, when Yankam`s header was bloked by Goalkeeper Kone who dived full stretch to keep out.

However, The Stripes did add a third goal seven minutes from time thanks to Caio Prado who concluded a good run before firing the ball into the far corner of the net.

Oscar Carniello almost made them four on the 87 minutes, when his header hit the upright.

BIRKIRKARA: Amara Sylla, Enrico Pepe, Yannick Yankam (87' Glending Farrugia), Paul Mbong, Kurt Zammit, Federico Falcone, Francesco Verde, Claudio Bonnani, Caio Prado (90+2' Owen Sciberras)), Oscar Carniello, Alex da Paixao (77' Isaac Ntow).

ZEJTUN: Ibrahim Kone, Lucas Moreira, Kemar Reid, Jurgen Sudam, Thiago Bonfim (78' Adrian Carabott), Christian Grech, Henrique Marcelino Motta, Sergio Barboza da Silva Junior, Vitor Vieira, Edward Herrera, Neil Tabone.

Referee: Daniel Portelli
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Luke Portelli
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Yellow Cards: RPepe, Motta, Carniello, Falcone, Tabone, Reid, Vieira, Verde
BOV Player of the Match: Alex da Paixao Alves

Photo by Domenic Aquilina

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