Maxuell Samurai scored twice as Birkirkara defeated Melita 3-0 in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Monday.
This win hands the Stripes sole leadership as they move two points clear of Sliema Wanderers. Melita, on the other hand, suffer a third consecutive defeat.
Birkirkara took the lead on 21 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Marc Van de Bovenkamp Font floored Leandro Lacunza inside the area and from the penalty spot, Maxuell Samurai converted.
Eleven minutes in the second half, the Stripes doubled the score courtesy of Manuel Ignacio Morello who hit home off an assist by Alex Satariano from the right.
Eight minutes from time, Birkirkara scored the third goal thanks to another penalty by Maxuell Samurai after the Brazilian was brought down inside the area by goalkeeper Gosef Mizzi.