Hamrun Spartans claimed their 7th BOV Super Cup title with a clinical second-half performance, defeating Sliema Wanderers 2-0 at the National Stadium. Goals from Lopes Silva Raphael and Luke Montebello sealed the victory, while Sliema finished the match with ten men after captain Freire Bernardo’s dismissal.
A Cagey First Half
The match began with both teams feeling each other out in a tense and physical opening. Sliema Wanderers created the first real chance of the game in the 7th minute when Steve Pisani’s free-kick forced Hamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello into a spectacular save. Pisani had another opportunity on 17 minutes but blazed his shot over the bar.
Hamrun Spartans began to find their rhythm, with Luke Montebello firing just over from distance in the 19th minute. Their first shot on target came on the half-hour mark, as Ryan Camenzuli unleashed a powerful effort that was well handled by Sliema’s keeper Emeka Kelvin.
Sliema had a promising moment on the counterattack in the 34th minute when Adam Magri Overend’s low strike was saved by Bonello. The first half ended in a deadlock, with both teams evenly matched.
Hamrun Takes Control
The second half saw a determined Hamrun Spartans take the initiative. Lopes Silva came close to opening the scoring in the 53rd minute, firing just wide. Ten minutes later, he made no mistake. After shrugging off his marker with a deft move, Lopes Silva drove into the box and hammered an unstoppable shot past Emeka Kelvin to put Hamrun 1-0 ahead.
Hamrun nearly doubled their lead immediately after, but Sliema’s defense scrambled to deny Barbosa da Rocha. Camenzuli continued to test Emeka with a vicious free kick, forcing a crucial save.
Sliema’s woes deepened in the 77th minute when Freire Bernardo received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the Wanderers a man down. Just two minutes later, Hamrun capitalized on their advantage. Montebello pounced on a loose ball in the box, smashing it home to secure the victory and the Super Cup title.
Team Lineups
Hamrun Spartans: Bonello, Borg, Letherby, Montebello, Talison, Mbong, Da Silva Freitas, Marques, Marcelina (Scicluna 83′), Camenzuli, Lopes Silva.
Sliema Wanderers: Emeka, Borg, Magri Overend (Frendo 85′), Plut, Beerman (Jonata 74′), Alcino, Matos (Awad 60′), Freire, Acheampong, Zibo, Pisani (Strickland 85′).
Standout Performance in Super Cup
Lopes Silva Raphael earned BOV Player of the Match honors for his decisive goal and commanding presence on the field.
A Winning Start for Hamrun
The victory cements Hamrun’s position as comeback kings for the season, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, Sliema Wanderers, despite their promising resurgence, will look to regroup and focus on maintaining their strong league form.
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