Mbong and El Fanis Secure First Three Points for Ħamrun

Ħamrun Spartans earned their first three points of the YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/26 season with a composed 2–0 victory over Mosta FC at the National Stadium.

The Spartans dominated for large spells of the match but were made to work hard against a resolute Mosta side. The breakthrough came after halftime, thanks to inspired substitutions by head coach Giacomo Modica.

First-Half Frustration

From the outset, Ħamrun asserted their intent. Saliou Thioune tested the Mosta goalkeeper twice in the opening 15 minutes, only to be denied by the excellent Udoh Akpan.

Mosta’s first real chance came just before the half-hour mark through Sunday Okereke, whose header from a corner was kept out by Henry Bonello.

As halftime approached, Merlin Hadzi came closest to opening the scoring with an audacious overhead kick that flew just wide. Moments later, Matias Garcia saw a powerful shot from outside the box sail narrowly past the post, capping a dominant but goalless first half.

Game-Changing Substitutions

The second half began with two changes for Ħamrun: Joseph Mbong and Mouad El Fanis were brought on, and their impact was immediate.

In the 50th minute, Mbong pounced on a loose ball following sustained pressure to drive home a low finish from the edge of the box, finally breaking the deadlock.

Mosta responded well with two quick chances from Chibuike and Okereke, but Bonello was alert to keep the score intact.

As the game wore on, Ħamrun’s pressure intensified. In the 80th minute, Semir Smajlagic’s header struck the crossbar, and in the ensuing chaos, El Fanis was well-positioned to convert the rebound and seal the victory.

A Confidence-Building Result

This win marks the Spartans’ first league victory of the season, and it will be seen as an important morale boost, especially following their recent European exploits. Matias Garcia was named Man of the Match for his energetic midfield display and creativity throughout.

Match Details

Score:
Ħamrun Spartans 2–0 Mosta

Scorers:

• Joseph Mbong (50′)

• Mouad El Fanis (80′)

Referee: Alex Johnson
Man of the Match: Matias Garcia (Ħamrun Spartans)

Ħamrun Starting XI:
Bonello, Compri, Micallef (Xerri 89’), Polito, Marcelina, Simkus (El Fanis 46’), Garcia, Cadenovic, Hadzi (Mbong 46’), Thioune (Koffi 63’), Smajlagic (Attard 89’)

Mosta Starting XI:
Akpan, Hurtado (Farrugia 75’), Victor, Vassallo, Bolanos, Sciberras (Almamy 75’), Agius, Goncalves (Machado 60’), Okereke, Emmanuel (Debono 86’), Chibuike (Fernandes 60’)

References: TVM Sport and Sportsdesk