Hibernians and Birkirkara shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Both sides were eager to return to winning ways after losing to Valletta and Sliema Wanderers respectively. Hibernians took the lead early in the game but Birkirkara notched the equaliser in the second half after the Paolites lost goalkeeper Matteo Cardinali injured.
Birkirkara had three changes from the team which lost to Sliema as Neil Micallef, Louis Pahama and Fernandinho were handed a start with Rafa Santos, Jake Vassallo and Franklin Sasere starting on the bench. On the other hand, for Hibernians, Mouad El Fanis and Ryder Matos replaced Leandro Lacunza and Jamie Wahling.
The Paolites took the lead on 15 minutes when Ryder Matos concluded a good run on the left with a great assist for Alex Sobczyk who flicked the ball past goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.
Birkirkara levelled matters on 76 minutes when Kemar Reid released Shaft Brewer on the left and off the latter’s cross, Franklin Sasere headed home past goalkeeper Sanchez.