Sliema Wanderers boosted their Top Six ambitions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Valletta at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

The Blues produced a disciplined and clinical display, absorbing first-half pressure before striking with their first effort on target and then managing the game efficiently to secure three vital points. The win lifts Sliema to seventh place on 12 points, level with Valletta and firmly back in contention for a Top Six finish.

Valletta Dominate Possession but Lack Cutting Edge

The opening half produced few clear chances, with Valletta seeing more of the ball but struggling to convert possession into meaningful opportunities.

On 25 minutes, Emmanuel Mbende rose to meet a corner from Yannick Yankam, but his dipping header was brilliantly tipped over by Sliema goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi.

Eight minutes later, Valletta fashioned an even better opening when Ahmed Adebayo broke clear. However, he hesitated inside the area and was closed down, much to the frustration of the unmarked Thaylor Aldama.

Awad Strikes the Winner

The match sprang to life early in the second half. On 54 minutes, Sliema capitalised on a sustained attacking move when Fernandinho nudged the ball into the path of Mohammed Awad, who fired a low angled shot into the bottom corner to give the Wanderers the lead.

Valletta attempted to respond, with coach Thane Micallef introducing Diogo Tavares and Andrea Zammit, but the Citizens continued to struggle to create clear-cut chances.

Late Miss Sums Up Valletta Frustration

Deep into stoppage time, Valletta were handed a golden opportunity to equalise. Andrea Zammit lifted the ball to the unmarked Aldama just two metres from goal, but the winger opted for an acrobatic overhead kick and sent the ball over the bar, much to the disbelief of the City supporters.

The miss summed up a frustrating evening for Valletta, whose lack of finishing proved costly, while Sliema celebrated a crucial victory that keeps their Top Six hopes very much alive.