360Sports Malta Premier
National Stadium, Ta’ Qali
Birkirkara………………….0
Sliema Wanderers……..1
Sliema Wanderers claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Birkirkara at the National Stadium, moving to the top of the 360Sports Malta Premier League table. A first-half strike from Mohamed Awad proved decisive, handing the Wanderers their fifth consecutive win and a second triumph over Birkirkara in just fifteen days.
With this result, Sliema leapfrog Ħamrun Spartans by one point and extend their lead over Marsaxlokk and Floriana to two points. Birkirkara, meanwhile, slipped further behind after suffering a third straight defeat.
Despite early pressure from Birkirkara, with Paul Mbong firing narrowly wide in the sixth minute, neither side created clear chances until the breakthrough. In the 36th minute, a pressing move by Geoffrey Acheampong forced a turnover, allowing Vito Plut to tee up Awad, who made no mistake from close range.
The second half saw both teams intensify their efforts. Awad and Wescley combined well but failed to double the lead, while Birkirkara responded with efforts from Yikpe and Reid, both kept out by Sliema goalkeeper Kewin Agu.
In a frantic finish, Birkirkara came close to equalizing through Reid and Morello, but Agu stood tall to preserve the Wanderers’ narrow advantage.
Line-ups:
Birkirkara:
Volpe, Morello, Sandona, Lecao (Agius 46), P. Mbong, Reid, Dimech (Gaitan 63), Papazov, Cross, Makoma (Esalo 87), Yikpe.
Sliema Wanderers:
Agu, J. Borg, Magri Overend, Plut (Pryadun 83), Beerman, Alcino, Wescley (Frendo 83), Freire, Acheampong, Zibo, Awad (E. Agius 90).
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
