For the second week running, Birkirkara had to rely on a last-gasp goal to save the game and take a point following a 1-1 draw against Hibernians.

 

Contrary to what happened last week when Alessandro Coppola’s header gave the Stripes all points against Valletta, on Saturday, the Stripes were chasing the result against Hibernians when trailing to an Isaiah Chukunyere goal.

 

But in the second minute of stoppage time substitute Gianluca Zammit procured a penalty which he duly converted much to the relief of coach Josè Borg as he kept his side fifth in the standings alongside the Paolites.

 

It was in Birkirkara who enjoyed the better chances late in the first half when Paul Mbong was put through by Alexander Satariano, but saw his effort blocked by the onrushing Ibrahim Kone.

 

Josè Borg made two changes to his side following last week’s win against Valletta, leaving out Maxuell Maia, Andrea Zammit and Andrei Ciolacu who was again on the bench.

 

But the introduction of Maia and Zammit appeared to add some bite to the attack.

 

The Stripes were in the ascendancy when Maia, the Brazilian striker, intercepted a back pass by Claudio Bonanni, formerly of Birikirkara, only to hit his effort straight at Kone.

 

But it was Hibernians who took the lead through the unlikeliest of source. Eighteen-year-old Isaiah Chukunyere hit a rising shot behind Marcel Zapytowski with virtually his first touch of the ball.

 

More drama was to follow when five minutes into the injury time, Higor Fernandes floored Zammit inside the area and referee Ishmael Barbarara ordered a penalty. The onus of taking the spot-kick fell to Zammit who kept his cool to beat Kone.

 

Sportsdesk – Paul Cachia