BIRKIRKARA 1-3 FLORIANA
Augustin Sandona 35 (B); Carlo Zammit Lonardelli 21, 54; Guy Yameogo 79 (F).
Floriana delivered a commanding performance to hand league leaders Birkirkara their first defeat of the season.
With both teams already securing their spots in the Top Six, this match was primarily about bragging rights, as Birkirkara led the standings on 28 points, with Floriana trailing by eight.
As the first round concludes, Floriana have reclaimed second place, edging past Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians, and narrowing the gap to five points behind the Stripes.
Carlo Zammit Lonardelli, twice, and Guy Yameogo, scored Floriana’s winning goals – all from crosses, assisted by former Birkirkara Jake Grech.
After a cautious start from both teams, Floriana nearly opened the scoring when Franklin Sasere found himself in a prime position. The former Ħamrun Spartans forward, however, failed to beat Giacomo Volpe from close range, with his shot skimming past the post.
Floriana continued to pose the greater threat in the early stages, with efforts from Dunstan Vella and Kemar Reid keeping the pressure on.
Sasere missed another promising chance shortly after, hitting the woodwork just inches away from Volpe’s goal.
The breakthrough eventually came for Floriana when Carlo Zammit Lonardelli met a Jake Grech corner, heading the ball past Volpe to make it 1-0.
Birkirkara responded after the half-hour mark, with Pablo Gaitan testing Christoffer Mafoumbi from long range.
They almost leveled the score when Leandro Lacuna capitalized on a Floriana error, only to be denied by Mafoumbi.
Moments later, Yikpe Gnamien’s effort was cleared off the line.
Despite Mafoumbi’s heroics, he couldn’t prevent Agustin Sandona from finding the net following a corner, as Birkirkara drew level before half-time.
Early in the second half, Alexander Satariano nearly delivered a stunning solo goal, weaving through Floriana’s defense only to be denied by a crucial tackle inside the box.
Floriana’s Sasere had an opportunity to restore their lead but mistimed his effort, letting the chance slip.
However, just like in the first half, Carlo Zammit Lonardelli rose to the occasion. Set up once again by Jake Grech, Lonardelli out-jumped the defense to beat Volpe with another superb header, putting Floriana ahead 10 minutes into the second half.
Birkirkara’s Maxuell nearly found the equalizer with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, but Mafoumbi was equal to it.
Floriana extended their lead when Guy Yameogo scored a third goal with Grech providing his third assist of the match.
The Greens were reduced to ten men late in the game after Emerson Souza’s reckless challenge on substitute Andrea Zammit, but they held on to secure the victory.
