Hamrun Spartans secured the 360Sports Malta Premier 2024/25 league title after edging past Birkirkara 1-0 in a tightly contested final at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
A second-half goal from Roko Prsa proved enough to separate the sides in a match where Hamrun’s organisation and control ultimately delivered silverware. The final was officiated by referee Ishmael Barbara, assisted by Roberto Vella and Luke Portelli, with Slobodan Petkovic serving as fourth official.
First Half
Hamrun set the tone early, pushing forward aggressively, but both teams took time to settle in a cautious start. Birkirkara’s captain Alexander Satariano registered the first effort in the 7th minute, dragging a cross-shot wide of the far post.
Birkirkara responded again on 16 minutes, when Kemar Reid’s dangerous cross was expertly headed clear by Emerson Marcelina. Hamrun returned fire two minutes later through Redon Mihana, whose curling cross forced a nervy clearance from the Birkirkara defence.
The first real clear-cut chance came on 35 minutes. Maxuell Maia burst into the box and fired from a tight angle, only to see Ognjen Bjelicic clear off the line. Reid’s follow-up was blocked just as sharply.
Hamrun hit back immediately. Jovan Cadenovic’s low drive was well saved by Giacomo Volpe, and shortly after, Roko Prsa latched onto a fine ball from Joseph Mbong but shot narrowly wide.
Birkirkara suffered a blow in the 38th minute when Kemar Reid was forced off with injury, replaced by Sean Dimech. The half concluded goalless after a deflected free kick from Prsa resulted in a corner.
Second Half
Hamrun resumed with greater urgency. Ryan Camenzuli surged forward in the 48th minute but blasted over. Joseph Mbong received the first booking of the match shortly after for a foul on Satariano.
The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute. After a short corner, Mbong squared the ball across goal for Prsa, who guided his shot calmly into the net, sparking scenes of celebration among the Spartans’ fans.
With the advantage, Hamrun took full control of proceedings. In the 79th minute, Rafael Lopes Silva thought he had doubled the lead, but his goal was ruled out for handball after a VAR check.
Despite Birkirkara pushing forward late in search of an equaliser, Hamrun remained defensively solid. In stoppage time, Lopes Silva had another chance to seal it, but blazed over from close range.
Referee Barbara’s final whistle confirmed Hamrun Spartans as champions — capping off a memorable campaign with a composed, disciplined final display.
Final Score:
Hamrun Spartans 1–0 Birkirkara
Scorer: Prsa (63’)
Hamrun Spartans Starting XI:
Henry Bonello (C), Talison Lui Barboza, Joseph Mbong, Roko Prsa, Elionay Freitas Da Silva, Jovan Cadenovic, Ognjen Bjelicic, Redon Mihana, Emerson Marcelina, Ryan Camenzuli, Rafael Lopes Silva
Coach: Winston Muscat
Birkirkara Starting XI:
Giacomo Volpe, Pablo Leonel Gaitan, Paul Mbong, Kemar Reid (Sean Dimech 38’), Tomislav Papazov, Alexander Satariano (C), Leandro Lacunza, Neil Micallef, Alessandro Coppola, Donovan Makoma, Maxuell Maia
Coach: Stefano De Angelis
Sports Editor
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