Birzebbuga St. Peter’s secured a historic promotion to the Malta Premier after defeating Swieqi United 7-6 on penalties in the BOV Challenge League Promotion Decider at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday.

This is the second successive promotion for Edgar Degabriele’s side after winning promotion from the National Amateur League I last season.

Swieqi managed to take the lead after just ten minutes thanks to a Zak Barbara penalty but Daniel Zerafa equalised on 28 minutes as he headed the ball home off an Alex Bruno corner. With the result still draw, the match went into extra-time but with the score still 1-1, the penalty shoot-out had to determine the winner.

Alex Bruno scored the first penalty for Birzebbuga while captain Paul Fenech’s penalty was neutralised by goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi. Daniel Zerafa scored for Birzebbuga and Juan Cruz Aguilar scored for Swieqi. Charles Samson Chibuike hit wide for Birzebbuga but Kian Lenardi levelled matters for Swieqi. Matthew Xuereb and Augusto Rene Caseres both scored and Jacob Walker and Kojo Okle did the same.

Joey Reno Vella scored for Birzebbuga and Michael Micallef replied for Swieqi. Leo Agius and Daniel Agius both scored, Zachary Cassar scored for Birzebbuga to make it 7-6 but Samuel Okoh hit high.