360Sports Malta Premier 2024/25 Closing round
Hibernians…………….1
Ħamrun Spartans…..2
Ħamrun Spartans secured a crucial three points in the 360Sports Malta Premier as they overcame Hibernians 2-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in a hard-fought encounter.
The visitors took an early lead after just 15 minutes through a swift counter-attack down the right flank, with Brazilian forward Raphael Lopes Silva calmly slotting a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Hibernians had their first real chance in the 29th minute when Lui Barboza broke free and unleashed a low drive, but Ħamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello was alert to deny him. A minute later, Federico Falcone came close for Hibernians, but his header narrowly missed the target.
Ħamrun’s Ryan Camenzuli then tested Hibs’ goalkeeper Hugo Sacco in the 35th minute with a powerful effort that drifted just wide of the post. Sacco was called into action again before half-time, producing an excellent save from a Barboza free kick in the 42nd minute and denying Lopes’ header moments later to keep the deficit at one goal going into the break.
Hibernians emerged with intent after the interval, pressing higher up the pitch. In the 51st minute, a dangerous cross from the left found Falcone, whose audacious backheel attempt was smartly saved by Bonello.
Just a minute later, Ħamrun were awarded a penalty after Hibs goalkeeper Sacco fouled Barboza inside the box. Luke Montebello stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to double Ħamrun’s advantage.
The home side found a way back into the game in the 65th minute when Falcone latched onto a cross from the left and finished clinically from close range, reigniting their hopes.
Ħamrun were unfortunate not to restore their two-goal cushion in the 71st minute when Lopes’ shot struck the upright.
In the 88th minute, Bonello was called into action once more, making a crucial save to deny Henrique as Hibernians pushed for a late equaliser.
Despite Hibernians’ late surge, Ħamrun held firm to claim a vital win and strengthen their position in the league standings.
Player of the Match: Raphael Lopes (Ħamrun Spartans)
Referee: Malcolm Spiteri
Hibernians Line-Up:
Hugo Sacco, Alfred Silas, Rodrigo Fraga (Lucas Caruana 85’), Jurgen Degabriele, Bjorn Kristensen, Dexter Xuereb, Federico Falcone, Alex Bruno (Lukas Vilela 74’), Ilias Martinis, Matthew Ellul (Lyon Abela 90’), Gabriel Fernandes (Henrique Pedro 86’).
Ħamrun Spartans Line-Up:
Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Luke Montebello (Kairou Abdoul 72’), Lui Barboza (Chris Ondong 76’), Joseph Mbong, Elionay Freitas, Jovan Cadenovic, Ognjen Bjelicic, Emerson Marcelina, Ryan Camenzuli, Raphael Lopes.
Ħamrun’s latest triumph further solidifies their title ambitions, while Hibernians will need to regroup and find consistency as they aim to climb the table in the coming fixtures.
