Zabbar St Patrick delivered a stunning performance to overwhelm Hibernians, handing them a humiliating defeat in what was arguably their worst outing of the season. The Premier League newcomers were faster, stronger, and sharper, controlling key areas of the pitch with Brian Gambarte dictating play in midfield. Meanwhile, Hibernians’ defensive duo Kurt Shaw and Lucas Iapert struggled to contain the relentless pace of Kristian Keqi and Stefan Ilic.
The match could have taken a different turn if not for Zabbar goalkeeper Luca Camilleri, who made two crucial saves in quick succession during the first half to thwart Hibernians’ attempt at a comeback after conceding the opening goal.
Prior to kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Hibernians stalwart Louis Theobald, who passed away earlier in the day. However, the Paolites looked off the pace from the start, despite an early attempt from Jurgen Degabriele. Zabbar quickly took control and after 11 minutes, Iapert had a chance to put Hibernians ahead when he was played through by Degabriele, but his shot, though beating Camilleri, was cleared off the line by Strahinja Jovancic.
Zabbar refused to be intimidated and took the lead in the 19th minute. Ilic combined with Jovancic, who pulled the ball back for Keqi to slot home from close range. Hibernians struggled to find a response, and Zabbar nearly doubled their lead before the break when Marcelo Barros Santos unleashed a powerful long-range strike that tested Hugo Sacco.
Hibernians came close to equalizing three minutes later, but Camilleri denied Dexter Xuereb’s header from a Degabriele corner and followed it up with another save to stop Kurt Shaw’s effort. Frustration mounted for Hibernians, culminating in Henrique Nunes Silva being sent off for kicking out at Keqi just before halftime.
Zabbar extended their advantage early in the second half. Ilic once again proved instrumental, delivering a superb left-wing cross for Joao Tavares, whose initial header was blocked by Sacco, but David Oliveira Souza was on hand to poke the rebound home. That goal all but ended the contest, with Hibernians failing to muster any meaningful response.
The newcomers continued to dominate and made it 3-0 when Gambarte kept his composure to fire a low shot past Sacco. Zabbar nearly added a fourth when Sacco saved Keqi’s effort, only for Ilic’s rebound to rattle the woodwork.
Hibernians’ dismal afternoon was complete four minutes from time, as Oliveira Souza struck again from close range to compound their misery. Zabbar’s energetic and clinical display left Hibernians with plenty of questions to answer after a humbling defeat.