Birkirkara secured their third consecutive victory by netting twice in the second half to defeat Hibernians 2-0 in a match during the 360 Sports Opening Round at the National Stadium on Saturday. The Stripes not only extended their winning streak but also kept a clean sheet for the third game running, propelling them to the top of the standings, although Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans have a game in hand. Conversely, this loss marks Hibernians’ first defeat following two wins and a draw.
Hibernians made one alteration with Jurgen Degabriele coming in for Giannis Bastianos. In contrast, Stefano De Angelis chose to field an unchanged line-up.
Prior to kick-off, Maxuell Samurai received the MVP Award for August.
Early on, Maxuell Samurai delivered a promising shot from the right that was blocked by Hugo Sacco. Shortly after, Paul Mbong’s attempt from the left narrowly missed the target. Federico Falcone then directed a header just wide from an inviting cross by Jurgen Degabriele on the right. Near the edge of the box, Alex Satariano’s shot from distance was deflected for a corner by Sacco.
Birkirkara broke the deadlock on 68 minutes with a header from Pablo Gaitan following a defender’s clearance.
Eight minutes before the final whistle, Oscar Siafa increased the score with an impressive shot that soared past goalkeeper Sacco, following a clever assist from Gaitan, who had intercepted the ball from a defender.
In the sixth minute of added time, Kurt Shaw struck the crossbar with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area.
