Hibernians come from behind to overcome Naxxar Lions

NAXXAR  LIONS       1     

Caxambu 21 pen

HIBERNIANS               2     

Alex Bruno 34 pen

Degabriele 52’

NAXXAR M. Debono, Pedro Vitor, T. Yamaguchi, N. Pace Cocks (64 G. Barbosa), M. Taumaturgo, R. Cassar, Luan Sergio, Caxambu, F. Barbosa (64 N. Micallef), K. Jackson (87 E. Farias), Y. Ito.

HIBS H. Sacco, K. Shaw, K. Fraga, J. Degabriele (70 I. Chukunyere), B. Kristensen, D. Xuereb, F. Falcone (80 Kleiton), Alex Bruno (81 A. Attard), G. Bastianos (90 T. Eviparker), Pedro, Higor Gabriel (81 M. Ellul).

Referee: Daniel Portelli.

Yellow cards: Taumaturgo, Jackson, Vitor, Pace Cocks, Sacco, Farias.

Hibernians came back from a goal down to beat Naxxar Lions 2-1 to earn their first three points.

The Lions were better during the first half but only managed to take the lead thanks to a penalty and it was another penalty which restored equilibrium. The Paolites improved in the second half and turned the score in their favour and although Naxxar pushed for the equaliser, their attempts proved futile.

Both sides had a number of players making their debut. George Vella named Pedro Vitor, Matheus Taumaturgo, Luan Sergio, Caxambu and Kemmu Degran Jackson in the starting line-up for Naxxar while Gustavo Barbosa was included as a substitute. Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic opted to start with Dexter Xuereb, Pedrao, Khevin Fraga and Federico Falcone.

Naxxar held ithe initiative in the early stages and managed to take the lead on 21 minutes when they were awarded a penalty and from the penalty spot, Caxambu made no mistake.

Just past the half hour, Matheus Taumaturgo went close to doubling the score with a shot from the edge of the area ending just wide.

However, Hibernians equalised on 34 minutes when they were awarded another penalty after Pedro Vitor challenged Bjorn Kristinsen inside the area and Alex Bruno duly converted.

The Lions missed a fine opportunity on 38 minutes with Pedro Vitor hitting high off an inviting corner by Caxambu from the right.

Just before the end of the first half, Naxxar appealed for a penalty after they alleged a defender had handled the ball inside the area.

In the second half, Hibernians were a much improved side and they gained the lead on 52 minutes. Alex Bruno provided the assist from the left and Jurgen Degabriele had the easiest of jobs in slotting the ball past goalkeeper Matthias Debono.

Naxxar replied with a Caxambu corner from the right which was blocked by goalkeeper Hugo Sacco on 74 minutes.

In the dying minutes, the Lions pushed harder in search of the equaliser but the Hibernians rear-guard held tight to secure victory.