Hamrun Spartans succumb to first defeat

Birkirkara brought to an end Hamrun Spartans’ positive run as they claimed their first win, defeating them 2-0 at the National Stadium on Tuesday. 

For the Stripes, this was in fact their first win after losing three out of their first four matches, earning their only point in a draw with Lija. The Spartans, on the other hand, dropped their first points after obtaining four wins in as many matches. 

Birkirkara took the lead on the 8th minute when off an Alex da Paixao corner from the left, Paul Mbong headed the ball in the direction of Claudio Bonanni whose header hit the crossbar and off the rebound, Yannick Yankam placed the ball at the back of the net with another header. 

Seven minutes from the end of the first half, Federico Falcone, served by Paul Mbong hit the foot of the upright with a shot from outside the area. 

The Stripes doubled the score on the 58th minute when Paul Mbong concluded a fine solo effort on the left with an assist for Federico Falcone who hit home from close range. 

HAMRUN Pablo Guillermo Sanchez, Matthew Guillaumier, Joseph Mbong, Imanol Iriberri (67’ Arthur Henrique Oyama), Franklin Olanitori Sasere, Abdullahi Ige Adeshina (67’ Darren Borg), Elkin Serrano Valero, Juan Carlos Corbalan, Karl Micallef, Marcelo Barbosa Junior, Emerson Marcelina.  
Coach: Mark Buttigieg

B’KARA Alessandro Guranone, Paul Mbong, Roderick Briffa, Yannick Yankam (74’ Kurt Zammit), Reginald Mbu Alidor, Federico Falcone (89’ Adam Camilleri), Francesco Verde, Cain Attard, Claudio Bonanni, Alex da Paixao Alves (71’ Luke Montebello), Isaac Toah Ntow.  
Coach: Andre Paus

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri
Assistant Referees: Christopher Francalanza, Mark Ciantar
Fourth Official: Philip Farrugia
Yellow Cards: P. Mbong, Corbalan
BOV Player of the Match: Paul Mbong