Goals by Takuma Yamaguchi and Neil Pace Cocks handed Naxxar Lions a 2-1 win over rivals Mosta in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier at the National Stadium on Friday.
The Lions, therefore, registered their first win while Mosta suffered a second defeat in as many matches.
Mosta lacked the suspended David Udoh Akpan who was replaced by Sean Mintoff while Brazilian duo Giancarlo Conclaves and Matheus Cambuci were named in the starting line-up as Sasha Cachia was retained on the bench and Nathan Agius was unavailable. Naxxar, on the other hand, had one change as Edson Cerqueira was preferred to Yasukaze Ito.
Naxxar held the initiative in the early stages and Takuma Yamaguchi was unlucky hit the upright on 7 minutes.
The Lions managed to take the lead on 33 minutes when off a cross by Caxambu from the left, Takuma Yamaguchi placed the ball at the back of the net.
Mosta improved in the second half but it had to be a penalty to level matters after Caxambu handled the ball off a cross by Clayton Failla. From the penalty spot, the Failla converted.
However, Naxxar regain the lead nine minutes from time. Caxambu’s cross from the left was partially saved by Mintoff and Neil Pace Cocks hit home past the Mosta goalkeeper.
The Lions could have added another five minutes later but a Degran Jackson effort from inside the area hit the crossbar.