Zammit Lonardelli scores twice as Floriana hand Birkirkara first defeat

Floriana handed leaders Birkirkara their first defeat as they beat them 3-1 in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round at the National Stadium on Thursday.

The Stripes retain the top spot but Floriana, who are now the only unbeaten side in the Malta Premier, narrow the gap to five points.

The Greens managed to take the lead on 21 minutes when off a Jake Grech corner from the left, Carlo Zammit Lonardelli beat goalkeeper Giacomo Volpe with a strong header.

Agustin Sandona levelled matters on 35 minutes when he slotted the ball past goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi after the Congolese goalkeeper blocked a cross from the right.

Floriana regained the lead nine minutes in the second half thanks to another Carlo Zammit Lonardelli header off a cross from the left by Jake Grech.

The Greens sealed the issue with a third goal eleven minutes from time when off a Jake Grech corner, Guy Yameogo slotted the ball past the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

Seven minutes from time, Floriana were reduced to ten men after Emerson Souza was sent off by referee Matthew De Gabriele for a foul on Andrea Zammit.

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