Gzira United earned a point in a 2-2 draw with Birkirkara despite playing for almost the whole of the second half in ten men in a match from the 360 Sports Malta Premier Closing Round at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Maroons therefore earned their first point in the Closing Round after losing to Mosta in their previous outing while Birkirkara dropped their first points after the win over Balzan.
Birkirkara were awarded a penalty after seven minutes after Shaquill Sno floored Manuel Morello inside the area but Maxuell Samurai’s effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by goalkeeper Giulio Mangano, aided by the post.
However the Stripes took the lead on 9 minutes when off a Lecao corner from the left, Gnamien Yikpe hit home from close range.
Three minutes later, Gzira equalised when Gabriel Bohrer Mentz had a shot from the edge of the area blocked by Giacomo Volpe and Luis Riascos placed the ball at the back of the net off the rebound.
Gzira, however, had Enrico Pepe sent off five minutes in the second half after receiving a second yellow card.
Birkirkara regained the lead on 68 minutes when substitute Paul Mbong concluded a good run with an assist for Maxuell Samurai who blasted the ball past goalkeeper Mangano from the right.
However, four minutes from time, the Maroons levelled matters on 86 minutes thanks to Lucas Macula, served on the right by Kevin Tulimieri, beating Volpe with a diagonal shot.
>> Birkirkara FC vs Gzira United FC match card