Gzira United…….2
Birkirkara FC……0
Gzira United showcased remarkable resilience to earn a 2-2 draw against Birkirkara despite playing nearly the entire second half with ten men. The match, held at the National Stadium on Saturday as part of the 360 Sports Malta Premier Closing Round, saw both teams deliver an intense and action-packed performance.
The result marked Gzira’s first point in the Closing Round following a defeat to Mosta in their previous match. Meanwhile, Birkirkara dropped their first points after starting their campaign with a win over Balzan.
The game began with high drama, as Birkirkara were awarded a penalty in the 7th minute when Shaquill Sno brought down Manuel Morello in the area. However, Maxuell Samurai’s spot-kick was saved by Giulio Mangano, with the post lending an assist to the Gzira goalkeeper.
Just two minutes later, Birkirkara broke the deadlock. Off a corner from Lecao on the left, Gnamien Yikpe struck from close range to put the Stripes ahead.
The Maroons responded almost immediately in the 12th minute. Gabriel Bohrer Mentz’s shot from the edge of the area was parried by Birkirkara goalkeeper Giacomo Volpe, but Luis Riascos pounced on the rebound to slot the ball into the net and level the score.
Gzira faced a setback early in the second half when Enrico Pepe was sent off in the 50th minute after receiving a second yellow card. The numerical disadvantage allowed Birkirkara to seize the initiative, and they reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute. Substitute Paul Mbong orchestrated the goal with a superb run before setting up Maxuell Samurai, who fired past Mangano from the right.
Despite the odds, Gzira refused to back down and found a dramatic equalizer in the 86th minute. Lucas Macula, brilliantly set up by Kevin Tulimieri on the right, unleashed a diagonal shot that beat Volpe and secured a well-earned point for the Maroons.
The result reflected Gzira’s fighting spirit and left both teams with plenty to ponder as the Closing Round progresses.
