Floriana kept the pressure on league leaders Birkirkara with a decisive 2-0 victory over Hibernians, closing the gap to two points in the 360 Sports Malta Premier standings. The Greens delivered an assured performance, highlighted by Jake Grech’s creativity and Carlo Zammit Lonardelli’s dynamic play, securing three crucial points to remain in contention for the top spot at the end of the Opening Round.

 

Floriana wasted no time creating opportunities, with their first chance coming just over a minute into the game. A free-kick from Jake Grech found Zammit Lonardelli, whose shot narrowly missed the target. Minutes later, Zammit Lonardelli thought he had opened the scoring after latching onto Grech’s pass and finding the net, but the assistant referee flagged for offside.

 

Hibernians responded in the 13th minute when Ayrton Attard’s through ball to Miullen was intercepted by Floriana goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi. Shortly after, Jurgen Degabriele had an opportunity to give Hibernians the lead but failed to connect cleanly with Miullen’s pass, allowing Floriana to clear.

 

Floriana had a second goal disallowed in the 21st minute when Zammit Lonardelli’s cross found Sasere, who finished with a first-time effort. However, the Nigerian striker was ruled offside.

 

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Sacco collided with Sasere while attempting to intercept a cross. The referee awarded a penalty, and Sasere converted confidently for his eighth goal of the season. Hibernians nearly equalized immediately, but Degabriele fired over from a central position.

 

The second half began with Floriana coach Darren Abdilla forced to make substitutions as Thiaguinho and Sasere exited with injuries, replaced by Fernandinho and Kyrian Nwoko. Despite Hibernians’ increased efforts to get back into the game, it was Floriana who continued to create chances. Zammit Lonardelli came close to doubling the lead after the hour mark, but his low drive was well blocked by Mafoumbi.

 

Floriana sealed the win in the final minute when substitute Mattia Veselji was fouled by Sacco in the box. The Hibernians goalkeeper received a second yellow card and was sent off. With no substitutions remaining, Bjorn Kristensen stepped in as an emergency goalkeeper, but Jake Grech calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-0.

 

Floriana’s victory keeps them firmly in the title race, now just two points behind Birkirkara as the Opening Round nears its conclusion.