Cleiton’s late winner sends Hibernians top as Spartans seal first victory

Hibernians produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat Birkirkara 2-1, thanks to a dramatic injury-time strike from Cleiton, which sent the Paolites to the top of the YoHealth Malta Premier League, level on seven points with Floriana.

The match looked to be heading in Birkirkara’s favour for long spells, with the Stripes controlling the opening 55 minutes. Kemar Reid gave them a deserved lead with a brilliant solo effort on 27 minutes, and they could have doubled their advantage moments later when Franklin Sasere missed a golden opportunity from close range.

That wastefulness ultimately cost Birkirkara. Hibernians came out stronger after the break, gradually increasing the pressure. Goalkeeper Martinez twice kept the Stripes ahead, first with a full-stretch save to deny Vilella, and then stopping the same player in a one-on-one situation.

The breakthrough came in the 69th minute when Joao Teixeira rose highest to head home from a corner, bringing Hibernians level and rattling Birkirkara’s defence.

Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, Cleiton chased down a long ball deep into stoppage time, muscling past Marjanovic before smashing a powerful strike past Martinez to seal a remarkable comeback win.

The result piles more misery on Birkirkara, who have now failed to win in their opening fixtures, while Hibernians continue their strong start to the season.

Spartans Cruise Past Mosta for First Win

Ħamrun Spartans got their title defence up and running with a 2-0 victory over Mosta at the National Stadium, thanks to second-half goals from substitutes Joseph Mbong and Mouad El Fanis.

Coach Giacomo Modica rotated his squad once again, but the Spartans still proved too strong. Saliou Thioune came close twice in the first half, only to be denied by excellent saves from Mosta goalkeeper Udoh Akpan. Just before halftime, Merlin Hadzi almost scored with an overhead kick that flew narrowly wide.

The breakthrough came shortly after the restart when Mbong, introduced at halftime, reacted quickest to a rebound in the 49th minute, firing past Akpan to open the scoring. Mosta pushed for an equaliser but were caught out late on.

Debutant Semir Smajlagic saw his header crash against the crossbar, and El Fanis was perfectly placed to smash home the rebound, sealing the Spartans’ first three points of the campaign.