Triganza penalty dents Hibernians title challenge

With this victory, Birkirkara sit in third place on 25 points while Hibernians remain in second place with 32 points, three behind leaders Valletta.

Birkirkara started the match on the attack with Ryan Scicluna's attempt in front of goal ending over the bar on the 11 minute.

Hibernians goalkeeper Mario Muscat blocked an attempt bu Shaun Bajada moments later.

On the 22^nd minute, Rodrigo Pereira tried his luck on goal with a freekick, but it ended high.

Hibernians had an excellent chance to take the lead on the 32^nd minute, but goalkeeper Reuben Gauci denied Clayton Failla's powerful shot from inside the penalty area.

On the 73^rd minute, Off a corner by Andrew Cohen, Jackson Lima's goal was annulled by referee Alan Mario Sant for a foul.

Hibernians were made to regret their missed opportunities when Mario Muscat fouled Ryan Scicluna to have the referee award Birkikara a penalty shot.

Substitute Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza made no mistake from the penalty spot on the 79^th minute, to give Birkirkara the lead and all three points.

Jackson Lima Siqueira was voted BOV Player of the Match.

HIBERNIANS Mario Muscat, Aaron Xuereb (84′ Steve Pisani), Rodolfo Soares, Clayton Failla, Adrian Pulis (64′ Jonathan Pearson), Bjorn Kristensen, Jackson Di Lima Siqueira, Marcelo Dias, Jason Vandelannoite, Andrew Cohen, Peter Anizoba Chizoba (58′ Edward Herrera).
Subs not used: Nicholas Grima, Johann Bezzina, Ayrton Azzopardi, Ryan Camilleri.
Coach: Mark Miller
Assistant Coach: Richard Mercieca

BIRKIRKARA Reuben Gauci, Ryan Scicluna (83′ Rowen Muscat), Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Shaun Bajada (69′ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech, Rodrigo Pereira, Angus Buhagiar, Shola Shodiya Haruna (90′ Ryan Camenzuli), Jorge Santos Silva.
Subs not used: Karl Magri, Andre Cassar, Michael Camilleri, Alan Tabone.
Coach: Paul Zammit
Assistant Coach: Peter Pullicino

Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Assistant Referees: William Debattista, Paul Apap
Fourth Official: Glenn Tonna
Yellow Cards: Dias, Shodiya, Muscat
Scorers: 79′ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza