Hibernians claimed their second victory of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Gżira United, scoring both goals in the second half. The two sides were evenly matched in the first half, but the Paolites gained momentum after the break, hitting the woodwork twice before eventually breaking the deadlock and adding a late goal to seal the win.

 

Gżira had several chances of their own, including a missed penalty that goalkeeper Hugo Sacco saved, leaving them to regret their wasted opportunities.

 

Hibernians made one change to their lineup from the win over Naxxar, with Kleiton replacing the absent Jurgen Degabriele. For Gżira, Joseph Minala and Kevin Tulimieri came in for Luis Riascos and Brooklyn Borg.

 

Prior to kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Gżira coach and player Hugh Caruana, and former club president Joseph Camilleri.

 

Hibernians had the first chance of the match just five minutes in, when Khevin Fraga narrowly missed a flicked effort from a Giannis Bastianos corner. A minute later, Gżira’s Tulimieri fired high from a promising position in the box.

 

Gżira continued to threaten, with Faysal Chouaib hitting the side netting in the 19th minute. Hibernians responded as Fraga unleashed a powerful shot just over the bar eight minutes before halftime.

 

The second half began with the Paolites striking the post through Bastianos, and on 57 minutes, the Greek midfielder rattled the crossbar from a free-kick, with Dexter Xuereb missing the rebound.

 

Gżira’s best moment came when Christian Saint made a strong run down the left, but his decision to pass rather than shoot allowed the chance to go to waste.

 

Hibernians finally took the lead in the 69th minute. Bastianos received a pass from the left and fired a powerful shot past Gżira goalkeeper Darijan Zarkov.

 

Gżira had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 79th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Higor Gabriel fouled Jurgen Pisani. However, Minala’s spot-kick was saved by Sacco, keeping Hibernians in front.

 

Shortly after, Gżira missed another chance as Alex Alves’ cross from the left failed to find a teammate, with both Thaylor and Saint unable to connect.

 

Five minutes from time, Hibernians wrapped up the win. Farid Zuniga lost possession to substitute Isaiah Chukunyere, who charged into the box, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball home to secure the Paolites’ 2-0 victory.