Floriana and Hibernians played out a 1-1 draw in one of the weekend’s most anticipated Premier League fixtures. The result leaves Floriana in fourth place on nine points, with two wins and three draws, while Hibernians remain just a point behind in sixth after registering their second draw of the season.

 

Floriana’s in-form striker, Franklin Sasere, continued his impressive run by netting his fourth goal of the campaign in as many appearances. For Hibernians, Brazilian forward Alex Bruno added his second goal of the season to salvage a point for his team.

 

The match began cautiously, with neither side willing to take risks in the opening stages. Floriana’s Jake Grech fired the first notable shot of the game, a long-range attempt comfortably saved by Hibernians goalkeeper Hugo Sacco.

 

Defenses dominated the first half, with limited chances for either team. Hibernians threatened from a free-kick after 30 minutes, but Floriana goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi easily dealt with the danger. Floriana briefly thought they had taken the lead when Carlo Zammit Lonardelli headed home, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Hibernians then came close through Higor Gabriel, who narrowly missed after a corner.

 

With no changes at halftime, the second half came to life through a moment of brilliance from Sasere. The Nigerian striker unleashed a powerful strike from 30 meters out, beating Sacco to give Floriana a 1-0 lead—a potential contender for goal of the season.

 

However, Floriana’s momentum was halted after captain Oualid El Hasni received a red card for denying Hibernians’ Natha Carvalho a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Coach Darren Abdilla immediately made a defensive adjustment, bringing on Guy Yameogo to replace forward Kemar Reid and protect the lead.

 

Hibernians capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Ayrton Attard testing Mafoumbi before coach Branko Nisevic introduced Jurgen Degabriele and Giannis Bastianos to intensify the attack. The tactical change paid off when Alex Bruno found the equalizer, striking home with just 10 minutes left on the clock.

 

Hibernians pushed for a winner in the final moments, but their efforts were hampered when Higor Gabriel was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card. With both sides reduced to ten men, the match ended 1-1, ensuring that the points were shared.