Caio Prado scores twice in comfortable win over Zejtun

Birkirkara moved fourth, just one point behind third-placed Gzira United as they registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Zejtun Corinthians at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.

The Stripes therefore extended their positive run to twelve matches as they registered a fifth win from the last six matches. 

Zejtun, on the other hand, suffer a first defeat after five positive results which had enabled them to climb out of the danger zone. They are currently eleventh on 23 points, four ahead of Balzan and Floriana.

Birkirkara took the lead on the 13th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Paul Mbong was brought down inside the area by Kemar Reid and from the penalty spot, Alex da Paixao Alves’ effort was partially saved by Ibrahim Kone but off the rebound, the Brazilian placed the ball at the back of the net. 

Twelve minutes in the second half, the Stripes doubled the score courtesy of Caio Prado who received an assist by Alex da Paixao from the right and hit low past the Zejtun goalkeeper. 

Eight minutes from time, Birkirkara sealed the issue with a third goal thanks to Caio Prado who concluded a good run with a shot which beat goalkeeper Kone.

ZEJTUN Ibrahim Kone, Lucas Moreira, Kemar Reid, Jurgen Sudam, Thiago Bonfim (78’ Adrian Carabott), Christian Grech, Henrique Marcelino Motta, Sergio Barboza da Silva Junior, Vitor Vieira, Edward Herrera, Neil Tabone.
Subs not used: Daniel Grima, Alessio Cassar, Keelan Azzopardi, Mattia Del Negro, Gianluca Bugeja, Gillmore Azzopardi.
Coach: Orosco Anonam

B’KARA Amara Sylla, Enrico Pepe, Yannick Yankam (87’ Glending Farrugia), Paul Mbong, Kurt Zammit, Federico Falcone, Francesco Verde, Claudio Bonnani, Caio Prado (90+2’ Owen Sciberras)), Oscar Carniello, Alex da Paixao (77’ Isaac Ntow).
Subs not used: Miguel Spiteri, Roderick Briffa, Neil Friggieri, Adam Camilleri.
Coach: Andre Paus

Referee: Daniel Portelli
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Luke Portelli
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Yellow Cards: RPepe, Motta, Carniello, Falcone, Tabone, Reid, Vieira, Verde
BOV Player of the Match: Alex da Paixao Alves