Hibernians delivered a major upset in the opening 45 minutes of the Meridianbet FA Trophy semi-final, racing to a 2-0 lead over reigning champions Ħamrun Spartans.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Bjorn Kristensen unleashed a powerful strike from distance. Ħamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello could only parry the effort, allowing Jurgen Degabriele to pounce and slot home a clinical tap-in from close range.
Things went from bad to worse for Ħamrun shortly before the break. In the 42nd minute, Hibernians were awarded a penalty, which Lucas Villela confidently converted to double their advantage.
The Spartans, usually so composed and dominant, appeared rattled by Hibernians’ intensity and sharpness. With the Paolites now just 45 minutes away from a place in the final against Birkirkara, the pressure is firmly on Ħamrun to mount a second-half comeback in this high-stakes clash.
