YoHealth Malta Premier – Closing Round
Gżira United…2
Birkirkara…….0
Gżira United continued their strong start to the Closing Round with a second successive victory after defeating Birkirkara 2-0 in a rearranged fixture at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The match had originally been scheduled for Friday but was postponed until Sunday following a technical issue involving one of the goalposts at the venue. Gżira made the most of the rescheduled encounter with a composed performance that maintained their perfect record in the second phase of the season.
Birkirkara started brightly and created the first meaningful opportunities of the contest. Jacques Bayo came close when his effort found the side netting, while Alessandro Coppola later fired over the crossbar from a promising position. The Stripes continued to apply pressure as Stephen Makoma tested the Gżira defence, but clear chances remained limited.
Gżira grew into the match as the first half progressed, showing greater control in midfield and discipline at the back. Despite the improved balance, the opening period ended without a breakthrough, with both sides struggling to convert possession into goals.
The turning point arrived in the 70th minute when Birkirkara were reduced to ten players. Francisco Lopez was shown a straight red card following a challenge on Andrew Borg, leaving his side at a numerical disadvantage for the closing stages.
Gżira capitalised on the situation almost immediately. Two minutes later, Bonilla Calderon broke the deadlock with a well taken free kick that curled beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the Maroons, who began to play with increased confidence.
Maxuell Maia nearly doubled the advantage soon after, narrowly missing the target with a driven effort. Birkirkara attempted to respond despite their reduced numbers, but Gżira remained organised and controlled possession effectively.
The result was sealed in stoppage time when new signing Stasa Basic found the net to secure all three points. The victory keeps Gżira United unbeaten in the Closing Round and reinforces their position as early contenders as the season progresses.
