Birkirkara demonstrated resilience as they secured a 1-1 draw against Sliema Wanderers in the 360 Sports Malta Premier Opening Round Top 6 clash at the National Stadium on Saturday. Playing the final 20 minutes with ten men, the league leaders managed to hold on, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of the table.
While the Stripes have now won only one of their last four matches, the result keeps them narrowly ahead of Floriana, who could draw level at the summit if they overcome Hamrun Spartans on Sunday. For Sliema, this marked a second consecutive 1-1 draw following last week’s stalemate with Hamrun, keeping them third in the standings.
Sliema Take the Lead
Sliema opened the scoring in the 35th minute, with Simon Zibo threading a well-timed pass to Vito Plut on the left. Plut capitalized on the opportunity, calmly slotting the ball past Birkirkara goalkeeper Giacomo Volpe to give the Wanderers the advantage.
Birkirkara’s Equalizer
Birkirkara struck back early in the second half. Maxuell Samurai latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball on the right and finished clinically, beating Sliema goalkeeper Agu Kelvin Emeka to level the score.
Down to Ten Men
The Stripes’ task became significantly harder in the 70th minute when Maxuell Samurai, their goalscorer, received a second yellow card and was sent off by referee Malcolm Spiteri. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Birkirkara managed to withstand Sliema’s attempts to exploit the situation, earning a hard-fought point.
What’s Next
The draw leaves Birkirkara still in control of their title ambitions but highlights a recent dip in form as the season progresses. Sliema’s back-to-back draws, while solid results, may leave them frustrated as they aim to climb higher in the standings.
All eyes will now turn to Sunday’s fixture, where Floriana will look to capitalize on this result by matching Birkirkara’s points tally at the top of the league.
Hibernians Secure First Top 6 Win with 3-2 Victory Over Mosta
Hibernians claimed their first win in the 360 Sports Malta Premier Opening Round Top 6 with a 3-2 triumph over Mosta at the National Stadium on Saturday. The victory puts the Paolites within three points of third-placed Sliema Wanderers, while Mosta remain rooted at the bottom of the Top 6 after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
Hibernians Dominate Early
Mosta came close to opening the scoring when Zachary Brincat struck the crossbar early in the game, but it was Hibernians who took the lead in the 26th minute. Giannis Bastianos orchestrated a brilliant move on the left, feeding Federico Falcone, who set up Jurgen Degabriele. The Malta international forward displayed finesse with a stylish lob over goalkeeper Sean Mintoff.
Seven minutes before halftime, the Paolites doubled their lead. Degabriele and Falcone combined again on the left, with the Argentine forward unleashing a powerful rising shot that left Mintoff with no chance.
Mosta Fight Back
Nine minutes into the second half, Mosta pulled one back. Joao Teixeira rose highest to meet a corner from the right, heading past Hibernians goalkeeper Sanchez to reduce the deficit.
However, Hibernians restored their two-goal cushion just four minutes later. A long throw-in from Kurt Shaw on the right caused chaos in Mosta’s defense, leading to Federico Falcone setting up Degabriele. His shot struck the crossbar and rebounded off Mintoff into the net, making it 3-1.
Late Drama
Mosta continued to battle and narrowed the gap once more in the 72nd minute. Substitute Chiemezie Stephen Gabriel executed a superb volley that flew past Sanchez, giving the Blues a glimmer of hope. Despite their efforts, Mosta were unable to find an equalizer as Hibernians held firm to secure all three points.
Looking Ahead
The win breathes new life into Hibernians’ campaign, positioning them as potential contenders for a higher finish in the Top 6. For Mosta, the loss deepens their struggles, with a turnaround in form needed to salvage their season.
