Birżebbuġa St Peter’s made history after being promoted to the Malta Premier for the first time, following a dramatic win on penalties against Swieqi United in the BOV Challenge League play-off.
The match finished 1-1 after normal time and extra time, so it had to be decided by penalties. Birżebbuġa won the shoot-out 7-6.
Swieqi took the lead early in the match when Zak Barbara scored from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box.
Birżebbuġa responded well and equalised in the 28th minute. Daniel Zerafa scored with a header after a corner taken by De Souza Silva.
Both teams had chances to win the game, but neither side managed to score again, even after extra time.
In the penalty shoot-out, Birżebbuġa scored through De Souza Silva, Zerafa, Matthew Xuereb, Jacob Walker, Joey Reno Vella, Leonardo Agius and Zachary Cassar. Samson Chibuike missed his penalty.
Goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi played a key role by saving a penalty from Swieqi captain Paul Fenech.
For Swieqi, Aguilar, Kian Leonardi, Augusto Caseres, Kojo Okle, Michael Micallef and Daniel Agius all scored. However, Samuel Okoh missed the final penalty, which gave Birżebbuġa the win and promotion.
It was a memorable and historic night for Birżebbuġa St Peter’s.
