In a thrilling match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Thursday, Ħamrun Spartans staged a late comeback to defeat Gzira United 2-1 in the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round.
This victory allowed Ħamrun to match the Maroons with 14 points, and due to their head-to-head triumph, they secured a place in the Opening Round Top 6. Conversely, Gzira must now compete in the Bottom 6. After a scoreless first half, Gzira took the lead seven minutes into the second half when Christian Ebisindor Saint won possession on the right wing and set up Lecao, who calmly finished past Bonello from close range.
Gzira appeared poised to clinch a Top 6 spot, but Ħamrun had other plans. With just four minutes remaining, Daniel Letherby, receiving a pass on the right from Elionay, unleashed a fierce strike from outside the area that goalkeeper Darijan Zarkov failed to secure, allowing the ball to cross the line.
In the fifth minute of added time, Emerson Marcelina headed in the winning goal from a free-kick delivered by Raphael Lopes from the right.
