YoHealth Malta Premier – Closing round Matchday 1
Birkirkara…..3
Hibernians…0
Birkirkara ended a six-match winless run in emphatic fashion with a dominant second-half display to defeat Hibernians 3–0 in the YoHealth Malta Premier, with Donovan Makoma delivering a standout performance.
After a difficult opening round that saw Birkirkara suffer six consecutive defeats, the Stripes finally found rhythm after the break, scoring three goals in quick succession to turn the match decisively in their favour.
Hibernians had looked the more assured side in the first half and created the clearer chances. Dexter Xuereb tested Matthew Grech from distance midway through the opening period, while Mailson went close soon after, forcing the Birkirkara goalkeeper into an alert save. Despite controlling possession and tempo, the Paolites failed to make their pressure count.
That proved costly. Birkirkara struck just three minutes after the restart when a free kick from near the corner was delivered into the area by Sean Dimech. After a deflection, the ball fell kindly for Makoma, who finished decisively from inside the box, leaving Hugo Sacco with no chance.
The hosts doubled their advantage on the 58th minute, although Hibernians were left frustrated by defensive lapses. Sacco was caught off his line as Kemar Reid unleashed a precise effort that found the bottom corner.
Makoma then capped a remarkable evening with a spectacular third goal. Spotting Sacco once again well outside his goal area, he launched an audacious long-range strike from deep inside his own half, sending the ball over the stranded goalkeeper and into the net.
The three-goal burst sealed an impressive victory and a much-needed morale boost for Birkirkara, who finally put an end to their prolonged drought. For Hibernians, the defeat was a bitter one, having failed to capitalise in the first half.
Referee: Slobodan Petkovic
Player of the Match: Donovan Makoma
