Hamrun Spartans sealed the 360Sports Malta Premier 2024/25 league title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Birkirkara in a tense final at the National Stadium.
A second-half strike from Roko Prsa proved decisive in a match where Winston Muscat’s men showed composure and control to reclaim domestic supremacy. Referee Ishmael Barbara, assisted by Roberto Vella and Luke Portelli, officiated the title decider, with Slobodan Petkovic acting as fourth official.
First Half
The match began with Hamrun Spartans on the front foot, dictating the tempo in the opening exchanges. However, it took time for both sides to carve clear-cut opportunities.
Birkirkara’s captain Alexander Satariano had an early sighter in the 7th minute, sending a speculative cross-shot wide. On 16 minutes, Kemar Reid delivered a dangerous cross that Emerson Marcelina expertly cleared for a corner, demonstrating his defensive prowess.
Two minutes later, Hamrun responded with a teasing cross from Redon Mihana, but the Birkirkara defence held firm.
The first real moment of danger came in the 35th minute when Maxuell Maia broke into the box and fired from a tight angle. Ognjen Bjelicic cleared off the line before Reid’s rebound effort was blocked.
Hamrun quickly replied. Jovan Cadenovic tested Giacomo Volpe with a low shot, and moments later, Roko Prsa fired just wide after a clever through ball from Joseph Mbong.
A setback came for Birkirkara in the 38th minute as Kemar Reid limped off injured, replaced by Sean Dimech. A late free kick from Prsa deflected off Pablo Gaitan for a corner, but neither side could break the deadlock before the half-time whistle.
Second Half
Birkirkara restarted play, but it was Hamrun who carved the early chances. Ryan Camenzuli’s solo run ended with a shot over the bar, and in the 59th minute, Mihana’s cross found Prsa, whose shot was blocked by the steadfast Gaitan.
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute. After a short corner routine, Joseph Mbong squared to Prsa, who coolly slotted the ball into the net, sending the Hamrun faithful into raptures.
From then on, Hamrun took control. In the 79th minute, Rafael Lopes Silva thought he had doubled the advantage, but the referee ruled it out for a handball in the buildup.
Birkirkara tried to mount late pressure, but Hamrun’s organisation and composure saw them comfortably see out the final minutes. In stoppage time, Silva had a golden chance to seal it but blazed over from close range.
When referee Barbara blew the final whistle, jubilant scenes erupted as Hamrun Spartans were crowned champions of the 360Sports Malta Premier.
Final score:
Hamrun Spartans 1–0 Birkirkara
Scorer: Prsa (63’)
Hamrun Spartans Starting XI: Bonello (C), Talison, J. Mbong, Prsa, Freitas, Cadenovic, Bjelicic, Mihana, Marcelina, Camenzuli, Lopes Silva
Coach: Winston Muscat
Birkirkara Starting XI: Volpe, Gaitan, P. Mbong, Reid (Dimech 38’), Papazov, Satariano (C), Lacunza, N. Micallef, Coppola, Makoma, Maia
Coach: Stefano de Angelis
Hamrun’s triumph marks a fitting end to a superb season, with Prsa’s goal etched into club folklore as the moment they reclaimed Malta’s top prize.
