HIBERNIANS ………………… 2
MARSAXLOKK ……………… 2
Hibernians slipped into the Bottom Six after Marsaxlokk mounted a spirited comeback to claim an important point.
In 16 minutes, Arias tried his luck from outside the area, his effort gathered by the goalkeeper Sacco.
Hibernians took the lead in the 25th minute when Lima Duarte drove forward, held off his marker and slid a low pass to Lucas Lapert Villela, who finished with a precise shot beyond Mafoumbi for 1–0.
Two minutes later, it was 2–0. A cross into the box deflected to the far post where Villela was on hand to turn in for his second of the afternoon.
Marsaxlokk threatened on 38 minutes with a teasing angled free kick from Arias that Sacco palmed away. The visitors were reduced to ten men on 42 minutes when Mafoumbi rushed from his goal and fouled Mendonca, earning a straight red card.
Early in the second half, Hibernians went close again, Mendonca glancing a header just wide from an Alves De Lima delivery on 54 minutes.
Marsaxlokk halved the deficit in the 69th minute when a corner caused panic, and Augusto Cacho Alves diverted the ball into his own net for 2–1.
The equaliser arrived on 79 minutes, Arias whipping in another corner that found Hama Jubhel, who powered a fine header past Sacco for 2–2.
Hibernians nearly won it on 86 minutes when a corner fell to Mendonca, but from close range, his effort struck the upright. At the other end, in the 90th minute, Hama Jubhel could not convert when clean through on Sacco.
Hibernians finished with ten men in stoppage time as Dexter Xuereb received a second yellow card.
Player of the Match: Lucas Lapert Villela
Referee: Alex Johnson
