A dramatic 90th-minute strike from Andre Costa snatched all three points for Gżira United at the National Stadium, leaving Mosta heartbroken and condemned to the Bottom Six for the upcoming phase.

The victory marks a vital return to form for the Maroons, who climb into fourth place with 13 points. For Mosta, the narrow defeat keeps them anchored to the foot of the table with a solitary point, ending any mathematical hope of escaping the relegation group.

Debutant Official and Early Exchanges

The match was overseen by Joseph Scerri, who made his Malta Premier League refereeing debut. In a quiet opening, Gżira showed the first signs of intent in the 18th minute when Maxuell flashed a shot wide.

Mosta’s veteran goalkeeper David Akpan, celebrating his 75th appearance for the Blues, was called into action shortly after to deny Stasa Bastic. The Blues suffered a setback midway through the half when Gilson was forced off with an ankle injury, replaced by Charles Oderinde.

Gżira continued to knock on the door before the break; Akpan produced a stunning close-range save to deny Maxuell, while Andre Carlos saw his follow-up whisker past the post.

Stoppage Time Heartbreak

The second half remained an open affair. Mosta’s Leonardo Fernandes tested Gżira custodian Edoardo Colombo, while at the other end, Akpan again proved a formidable wall, parrying a fierce Maxuell free-kick.

Mosta had a golden opportunity to steal the win with ten minutes remaining, but substitute Cheikh Diamanka failed to convert from a promising position. They were made to pay dearly as the clock struck 90.

A pinpoint cross found Andre Costa in the box, and the forward made no mistake from close range, netting his eighth goal in Maltese top-flight football. The last-gasp winner sparked wild celebrations for the Maroons, while Mosta were left to reflect on a resilient performance that ultimately yielded no reward.

Line-ups & Match Details

GŻIRA UNITED: E. Colombo; D. Abela, A. Borg, B. Borg (68 D. Xuereb), A. Carlos, Maxuell, L. Riascos (60 J. Bonilla), S. Bastic (68 F. Silva), M. Van De Bovenkamp, I. N’Sa, M. Stojanovic.

MOSTA: D. Akpan; Gilson (25 C. Oderinde), N. Portelli, G. Goncalves (85 S. Eikwu-Ojo), K. Zammit, Joao Victor, A. Kozic (68 C. Diamanka), Willian, S. Zibo, J. Vassallo, L. Fernandes.

Referee: Joseph Scerri
Yellow Cards: Gilson, Vassallo (Mosta); N’Sa, Bonilla (Gżira)