Late goal ensures important victory for Birkirkara

Hibernians will surely be feeling the pressure as they have a very tricky match against Valletta. If Hibernians win the match against Valletta today, they would force a championship decider against Birkirkara that would be played next Saturday. If Hibernians fail to win, Birkirkara will be declared champions.

Birkirkara immediately started the match looking for the opening goal. Joseph had his shot goes just wide after just three minutes of play.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza tried to get past goalkeeper Nicky Vella on the 23rd minute, but the Tarxien goalkeeper managed to block Triganza's attempt on goal.

On the 62nd minute, Haruna Shola Shodiya, had his close range shot blocked by goalkeeper Nicky Vella, off the rebound Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza had his attempt blocked by a Tarxien defender.

On the 63rd minute, Tarxien were reduced to ten men when Branislac Timotic was sent off after he received a second yellow card.

Tarxien did not hold back even though they were one man down. On the 76th minute, Leandro da Silva Almeida had his shot from close range blocked by goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Birkirkara finally managed to score the all-important goal on the 79th minute when Haruna Shola Shodiya made no mistake with his shot on goal.

Haruna Shola Shodiya was voted BOV Player of the Match.

Birkirkara Justin Haber, Edward Herrera, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza Corujo, Joseph Zerafa (68' Ryan Camenzuli), Rodrigo Pereira (74' Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao), Rowen Muscat, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (81' Zach Muscat), Harun Shola Shodiya.
Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Ryan Scicluna, Yosimar Hernandez, Joselito dos Reis.
Coach: Paul Zammit
Asst. Coach: Peter Pullicino
Goalkeepers' Coach: Simon Agius

Tarxien Rainbows Nicky Vella, Carlo Mamo, Manuel Caruana, Andre Reinaldo de Souza Esposito, Leandro da Silva Almeida, Ryan Sammut (58' Steve Sadowski), Mark Tanti (46' Justin Grioli), Daniel Mariano Bueno, Branislav Timotic, Orosco Anonam (86' David Fenech), Steve Bonnici.
Subs not used: David Cassar, Roderick Bajada, Clive Fenech, Gianluca Calabretta.
Coach: Clive Mizzi
Asst. Coach: Alejandro Martinez Lopez
Goalkeepers Coach: Nikolai Attard

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Sammy Attard
Fourth Official: Andre Arciola
Yellow Cards: Timotic, Zerafa, Sadowski
Red Cards: 63' Branislav Timotic
Scorers: 79' Harun Shola Shodiya