360Sports Malta Premier – Bottom 6
Balzan kept their Malta Premier League survival hopes alive thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Jake Grech, earning a 2-2 draw against Żabbar St Patrick in a tense Bottom 6 encounter at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
In the other critical relegation clash, Gżira United staged a second-half comeback to defeat Hibernians 2-1 at the National Stadium, a result that lifted them to second in the Bottom 6 standings and within touching distance of safety.
Żabbar St Patrick 2–2 Balzan
The pressure was immense for both sides coming into this match, with points desperately needed to avoid the drop. Żabbar struck early through Stefan Ilic, who went on a powerful run before rifling a shot past Danilo Golovic in the 10th minute to give his side the lead.
Despite dominating possession, Żabbar failed to extend their advantage, which would prove costly.
Balzan came out stronger after the break and equalised on the hour mark through Rafael Da Silva Floro, whose fierce effort stunned goalkeeper Luca Camilleri.
Żabbar responded swiftly, regaining the lead in the 71st minute when Diogo Tavares fired home with conviction. However, Balzan refused to give in and, in the dying moments of stoppage time, substitute Jake Grech pounced on a rebound from Akpan’s shot to nod home from close range and snatch a vital point for his team.
Balzan move up to 15 points, two clear of Naxxar Lions, who face bottom-placed Melita on Sunday. Żabbar, meanwhile, drop to third on 18 points.
Hibernians 1–2 Gżira United
At the National Stadium, Hibernians appeared to be in control early on when Jurgen Degabriele latched onto a precise through ball and slotted past Giulio Mangano after just 12 minutes.
But Gżira grew into the match and their persistence paid off late in the second half. In the 77th minute, a cross from Andy Borg found Luis Riascos, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner to level the match.
Then, with the game seemingly headed for a draw, Gżira struck the winner in the 90th minute. Thaylor Aldama met a Tulimieri free-kick, and Gabriel Mentz was in the right place to tap in the rebound, sparking wild celebrations among the Gżira faithful.
Hibernians remain top of the Bottom 6 with 20 points, while Gżira are now just one point behind in second place on 19. The battle for survival continues to intensify with just a handful of games remaining.
