YoHealth Malta Premier – Closing Round
Hibernians…………….3
Sliema Wanderers….1
Hibernians claimed their first victory of the Closing Round with a decisive second half comeback, overturning an early deficit to defeat Sliema Wanderers 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
Sliema controlled much of the opening half hour, enjoying the majority of possession and territory, even if clear chances were limited. Their pressure told after 25 minutes when Aliou Diakite was penalised for a foul on Thiago Espindola inside the area. Luke Montebello converted the resulting penalty to register his first league goal of the season and put the Wanderers in front.
The Paola side struggled initially to settle, but they began to show signs of recovery approaching the interval. Kevin Halabaku released Miullen inside the area on 33 minutes, although the forward dragged his effort wide under pressure from goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi. Moments later, Jean Borg made a crucial block to deny Cleiton after a cut back from Duane Bonnici.
Hibernians eventually found an equaliser in stoppage time. A clever backheel from Mailson set up Miullen, who finished confidently past Al Tumi to restore parity and shift the momentum before the break.
That goal proved decisive for the remainder of the contest. Hibernians emerged with greater intent after the restart and completed the turnaround seven minutes into the second half. Halabaku threaded a precise through ball into the path of Cleiton, who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into the net.
Sliema were unable to respond, and their difficulties deepened on the hour mark. Wescley lost possession in midfield, allowing Nunes Silva to release Miullen once again. The forward showed composure to dribble past Al Tumi and score his third goal of the afternoon, sealing his hat trick and the points for Hibernians.
The Wanderers offered little resistance thereafter, and Hibernians could have extended their lead through further chances for Miullen and Cleiton, both of which went begging. Sliema’s afternoon ended on a sour note in stoppage time when Stefan Djuric was shown a second yellow card and sent off.
The result hands Hibernians a confidence boosting win to begin their Closing Round campaign, while Sliema Wanderers were left to reflect on a strong opening spell that ultimately went unrewarded.
