Hibernians registered a 2-1 win over Valletta on the day the Citizens celebrate the 21st championship in the history of the club.
The Paolites managed to take an early lead but the Citizens were quick to restore equilibrium. However after missing a penalty, Hibernians still managed to score a late goal to take home the three points.
The Citizens had the first attempt at goal as Jonathan Caruana served Gilbert Agius whose low diagonal shot was parried by Muscat on the 4th minute. Two minutes later, Michael Mifsud hit high off a through pass by Ian Azzopardi.
Hibernians were awarded a penalty on the 11th minute when Steve Borg handled the ball inside the area. From the penalty spot, Clayton Failla converted to put the Paolites ahead.
A cross shot by Michael Mifsud from the right went past the upright on the 17th minute.
Valletta equalised on the 19th when Michael Mifsud received a through pass by Denni Rocha dos Santos and advanced into the area before hitting low past goalkeeper mario Muscat.
Marcelo Dias went close for Hibernians with a powerful long distance shot which went past the upright on 24 minutes. Three minutes later, a William Barbosa effort was turned into a corner by Mario Muscat. Roderick Briffa failed to connect off an inviting cross by Gilbert Agius on 36 minutes. One minute from the end of the first half, Muscat turned into a corner a powerful drive by Denni and just before half-time, Michael Mifsud hit just wide off a cross by Denni from the right.
Three minutes in the second half, Michael Mifsud dashed into the area only to have his diagonal shot neutralised by the Hibs goalkeeper. On the other side of the pitch, a long-distance freekick by Jackson Lima was turned into a corner by Hogg.
The Paolites were awarded another penalty on the 54th minute as Panadetiguiri floored Tarabai inside the area. From the penalty spot, Clayton Failla’s effort hit the upright.
Another Tarabai effort from outside the area was parried by Hogg on 56 minutes and then on 63 minutes, off a through pass by Denni, Gilbert Agius extended the ball to Michael Mifsud whose diagonal shot was blocked by Mario Muscat.
The Hibs custodian performed a great save on Denni Rocha dos Santos off a cross by Terence Scerri from the right on 72 minutes.
Three minutes later, Hibernians notched the winner thanks to a goal by Bjorn Kristensen who headed the ball home off a cross by Andrew Cohen.
In the dying minutes, Edison Luis dos Santos received a second yellow card and was therefore sent off.
Mario Muscat was voted BOV Player of the Match.
Photos: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com
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HIBS Mario Muscat, Ryan Camilleri (83’ Steve Pisani), Jonathan Pearson, Rodolfo Soares, Clayton Failla, Jason Vandelannoite, Bjorn Kristensen, Jackson Lima Siqueira, Edward Herrera, Andrew Cohen, Marcelo Dias (24′ Edison Luis dos Santos).
Subs not used: Luke Bonnici, Peter Anizoba, Adrian Pulis, Aaron Xuereb, Brandon Muscat.
Coach: Mark Miller
Assistant Coach: Richard Mercieca
VALLETTA Andrew Hogg, Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg, Gilbert Agius (66’ Terrence Scerri), Ian Azzopardi, Roderick Briffa, Edmond Agius, Denni Rocha dos Santos, William Barbosa, Michael Mifsud, Saidou Mady Panandetiguiri (76′ Alfred Effiong).
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Aleksandrs Cekulajevs, Roderick Bajada, Filippo Andrea Scozzese, Llywelen Cremona.
Coach: Leonard Farrugia
Assistant Coach: Jesmond Zerafa
Referee: Malcolm Spiteri
Assistant Referees: Konrad Borg, Chris Francalanza
Fourth Official: Clayton Pisani
Yellow Cards: Kristensen, Failla, Tarabai, Mady, Briffa
Red Cards: Tarabai
Attendance: 4,171