Hibernians returned to form with a convincing victory, as coach Branko Nišević made sweeping changes following their lackluster performance against Floriana. The team responded with an inspired display, featuring a retooled forward line and seven changes to the starting XI.
Nišević introduced Isaiah Ndubisi Chukunyere, Federico Falcone, and Giannis Bastianos to spearhead the attack, and the alterations paid dividends.
Mosta started the game brightly, with Giancarlo Gonçalves coming close to scoring early. His rising shot from the right flank rattled the crossbar, setting the tone for an eventful match.
Hibernians opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a superb team move involving four players. Bastianos combined with Falcone, who pulled the ball back for Khevin Fraga to assist Jurgen Degabriele. Degabriele finished with a delicate lob over Mosta goalkeeper Sean Mintoff.
The Paolites doubled their lead shortly after. Degabriele’s lofted pass found Falcone, who executed a stunning scissor-kick into the far corner. At 2-0, Hibernians appeared in full control, displaying flashes of brilliant football.
However, Mosta proved resilient, especially after manager Mario Muscat made impactful substitutions at halftime, introducing Prince Afriyie and Sunday Okereke. Their energy helped Mosta reduce the deficit in the 59th minute when Joao Teixeira headed Clayton Failla’s pinpoint corner into the net, unmarked at the far post.
Hibernians quickly restored their two-goal cushion in unusual fashion. Degabriele’s sliced shot ballooned high into the air, seemingly destined to land on the roof of the net. Instead, it hit the crossbar and crossed the goal line after Mintoff failed to handle it cleanly.
The game remained lively, with Mosta’s Stephen Chiemezie scoring a stunning goal after chesting the ball and unleashing a powerful strike past Nino Sanchez. Despite their defensive frailties, Hibernians managed to hold firm as Sanchez made crucial saves, including a late intervention to deny Souleymane Koné.
The victory reduced Hibernians’ gap to third-placed Sliema to just three points, signaling a renewed push for league honors.