BOV Super Cup: First honour of the season goes Birkirkara's way

bkara-super-cup2013Champions Birkirkara continued where they had left last season as they won the first honour of the new season thanks to a 3-2 win over U*BET FA Trophy winners Hibernians in the BOV Super Cup. The Stripes therefore claim the cup for the sixth time in the history of the club.

After a quiet start for the two teams, Birkirkara were soon in control scoring three goals in just seven minutes past the half-hour. Three goals which gave them a most comfortable lead although the Paolites managed to reduce the gap with two goals after the break.

Apart from Demba Toure and Frank Temile, Birkirkara had Brazilian defender Jonathan Maciel making his debut. Hibernians, now under the guidance of coach Branko Nisevic, relied on the players who formed part of last season’s squad apart from Matthew Tabone who was on loan at Vittoriosa last season.

Birkirkara managed to take the lead on the half-hour when off a cross by Shola Shodiya from the right, Demba Toure slammed the ball home from close range.

Four minutes later, the Stripes doubled the score when off a Paul Fenech freekick, Frank Temile hit home from close range.

But the first half was not over yet as Zach Muscat headed home in style following a corner from the left by Edward Herrera on the 37th minute.

Four minutes in the second half, Hibernians were awarded a penalty after Alejandro Mendoza brought Andrew Cohen down inside the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Clayton Failla made no mistake to reduce the gap.

Birkirkara went again on the attack, having an angled shot by Frank Temile from the right blocked by Mario Muscat.

The Paolites scored a second goal thirteen minutes from time with a low diagonal shot by Andrew Cohen from just inside the area when served by Tarabai.

After the game, Birkirkara captain Gareth Sciberras was presented with the cup by MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo.

Photos: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com

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B’KARA Justin Haber, Alejandro Mendoza, Demba Toure (67′ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Haruna Shola Shodiya (74′ Jonathan Maciel), Frank Temile, Ryan Camenzuli, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat, Edward Herrera, Zach Muscat.
Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Joseph Zerafa, Ryan Scicluna, Kurt Zammit.
Coach: Paul Zammit

HIBS Mario Muscat, Neil Chetcuti, Jonathan Pearson, Jackson di Lima Siqueira, Rodolfo Soares (46′ Matthew Tabone), Marcelo Dias, Andrew Cohen, Bjorn Kristensen, Clayton Failla, Obinna Obiefule (46′ Jean Paul Farrugia), Edison Luis dos Santos.
Subs not used: Daniel Balzan, Keith Tanti, Scott Chircop, Johann Bezzina, Brandon Muscat.
Coach: Branko Nisevic

Referee: Andre Arciola
Assistant Referees: Andrew Borg Cardona, Andrew James Sammut
Fourth Official: Karl Frendo Cumbo
Yellow Cards: Lima, Muscat, Mendoza, Failla, Fenech, Dias, Pearson
Attendance: 1,613

Photo courtesy of Bank of Valletta