Hibernians FC recorded an extraordinary win over Balzan FC in the BNF U15 Knockout Final, crowning them champions of the competition and securing a double in the process.
BNF U15 Knockout – Final
Hibernians FC 5-0 Balzan FC
03.05.2025, Luxol Stadium
Hibernians came into the final as the clear favourites, given their sensational league campaign that saw them win the BNF U15 League A title without a single defeat, earning 55 points out of a possible 57.
Balzan were the underdogs, having played in the BNF U15 League B during the season, and only narrowly missing out on promotion. However, they have impressing during the knockout, beating a number of tough opponents on the road to the final.
The match, played at the Luxol Stadium, started off pretty even, with both sides exchanging possession early on.
Hibernians started to showcase their attacking prowess in the early stages, yet Balzan were standing firm, and were mounting a number of attacking opportunities of their own as well.
The breakthrough for the Paolites eventually came in the 39th minute, as Gianni Zerafa broke free from the shackles of the Balzan defence, before putting the ball past Balzan goalkeeper Aleksej Pavlovic.
Balzan struggled to regroup following the setback, and Hibernians capitalised, with Zerafa once again being at the centre of the move. He was on hand to put Hibs 2-0 in front just a few seconds after his earlier goal, giving his side a comfortable advantage.
Following the break, Hibernians came out firing, and they started the second-half in the same way they ended the first, with a goal. This time around, captain Jayden Roe got on the end of a move, scoring to give Hibernians daylight in the second-half.
Both teams proceeded to make a series of changes early in the second-half, and the game momentarily lost its quick rhythm.
However, Hibernians got in their groove again, and Adam Camilleri, who had come on as a substitute in the 57th minute, made it 4-0 only 10 minutes later, practically putting the game to bed.
Balzan were going for it in the final few minutes, looking to get a goal of their own. Yet they could not manage to do so, and Hibs took full advantage of a few tired legs, and Nathan Azzopardi made it 5-0 in the 88th minute.
As a result, Hibernians were crowned champions of the BNF U15 Knockout, yet Balzan put on a solid fight, especially against such an impressive side.
