Sliema Wanderers and Balzan shared the points following an entertaining goalless draw in the VBET Malta Premier, with goalkeeper Henry Bonello producing several important saves to prevent the Blues from suffering defeat.

Although Sliema entered the encounter hoping to secure all three points, Balzan produced an impressive attacking display and created several opportunities of their own.

The Blues threatened after nine minutes when Sebastian Cojocaru picked out Nikos Karelis near the edge of the penalty area, but the striker sent his effort over the crossbar.

Balzan almost took the lead shortly afterwards when Gustavo Alcino, attempting to clear the ball, inadvertently headed towards his own goal. Bonello reacted quickly, diving to his left to palm the ball away and prevent an own goal.

Teddy Teuma went close for Sliema in the 16th minute with a rising effort which missed the target, while Matteo Lorenzi also tried his luck from distance without success.

Balzan finished the first half strongly, with Awosanya sending a cross-shot narrowly wide.

Joaquim Da Silva then powered forward and delivered a dangerous cross which Bonello deflected onto Yuel Kuach, with the ball eventually finishing just over the crossbar.

Balzan continued to threaten after the interval as Eder saw his effort deflected narrowly wide before Bonello produced another excellent save to deny Kuach.

Sliema struggled to create clear scoring opportunities but finally threatened in the 73rd minute when Alex Satariano fired wide.

The Blues appealed for a penalty seven minutes from time following a challenge by Eder on Robertha.

Sliema requested a Football Video Support review, but the referee ruled that Robertha had simulated the incident and showed him a yellow card.

Despite Balzan’s attacking threat throughout the encounter, Sliema almost snatched victory in stoppage time.

Robertha released substitute Mo Awad, who found himself with an opportunity to score, but Balzan goalkeeper Ciappara rushed off his line to deny him and preserve the goalless draw.

The result saw both teams collect a point from a closely contested encounter in which the two goalkeepers played important roles in keeping the scores level.

VBET Malta Premier – Opening Round

Sliema Wanderers 0

Balzan 0