Jefferson brace leaves Maroons firm in second place

Gzira United made a strong statement of intent in their battle for a place in European football as they defeated Hibernians 2-0 at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The Maroons retain a one-point lead over third-placed Birkirkara, moving five points clear of Hibernians. For the Paolites, this was the third defeat in four matches.

Gzira took the lead four minutes from the end of the first half when off a through ball, Jefferson de Assis beat Justin Haber with a diagonal shot from the left.

Hibs could have equalised on the hour when they were awarded a penalty after Gabriel Mensah was floored by Luis Riascos but Jurgen Degabriele’s penalty was turned by Darijan Radelic Zarkov into a corner.

The Maroons doubled the score six minutes later when Marcelo Dias advanced on the right and provided Jefferson de Assis with a perfect pass for the latter to hit home from close range.

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