Hibernians moved into joint second place with Floriana after a crucial goal by substitute Miullen secured a 1-0 victory over Balzan.
This win allowed the Paolites to leapfrog Sliema Wanderers, who now sit in fourth place, trailing by just one point. Meanwhile, Balzan remain tied for third from the bottom of the standings, having missed several promising chances at the Tony Bezzina Stadium. Despite dominating much of the first half and pressing well into the second, Balzan ultimately left the field empty-handed.
From the outset, Balzan showed strong intent. Early on, Jan Busuttil unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, which Hibernians’ goalkeeper Hugo Sacco expertly turned away for a corner. Minutes later, Busuttil continued his efforts with a well-placed rebound that once again tested Sacco.
In another promising moment, Busuttil teamed up with Kamsoba in the 27th minute, only to have his effort blocked by Higor Gabriel. Later in the first half, Triston Caruana’s free-kick found Henri Stanic, whose angled shot was once again denied by Sacco.
Hibernians’ first serious threat came shortly after halftime when Bjorn Kristensen’s close-range attempt was saved by Balzan’s Danilo Golovic following a corner by Giannis Bastianos. Minutes later, Busuttil continued to test Sacco with a rising shot from outside the box, which was narrowly tipped over. Balzan came close yet again when Oluwatobiloba’s effort set up Triston Caruana for a powerful drive that went just over the bar.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute. After a cross from Kleiton on the left, Silas Hamanojda combined with Kristensen before sending in a ball from the right, which Miullen controlled and slotted past the Balzan keeper.
Hibernians’ momentum surged after the goal. Miullen nearly doubled the lead when he set up Isaiah Chukunyere, whose shot hit the post. Then, just before the final whistle, Chukunyere forced Golovic into a challenging save with a strong shot from inside the box, assisted by Kristensen.
Hibernians’ determination ultimately paid off, placing them in a promising position as they now share second place with Floriana.