Valletta bounced back from the defeat to Marsaxlokk with a 2-0 win over Hibernians in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Wednesday.
For Thane Micallef’s side, this was the third win in four matches. On the other hand, for the Paolites, this was the second defeat in three matches as they have now gone three games without a win.
Diogo Tavares was handed a start for Valletta instead of Alex Tank who was included as a substitute. Hibs, on the other hand, had Fabian Jankovic replacing Boris Druga.
The Citizens managed to take the lead on 3 minutes when off a Petar Sekulovic corner from the right, a header by Moise Mbende was partially saved by Cardinali with the same player taking the rebound and placing the ball at the back of the net.
Hibernians were unlucky to hit the upright with a Bjorn Kristensen header on 15 minutes but towards the end of the first half, Valletta had a goal by Ermin Bicakcic disallowed for an offside following FVS review.
The game was interrupted for five minutes by referee Matthew De Gabriele and on 86 minutes, Valletta doubled the score when off an assist by Keyon Ewurum from the right, Brandon Paiber controlled the ball before beating goalkeeper Cardinali with a fine shot from outside the area.
