Watch: Zibo double steers Sliema past Birkirkara and into Top Six

SLIEMA WANDERERS 2

Zibo 22, 72

BIRKIRKARA 1

Mbong 61

Sliema qualified for the Top Six of the Closing Round after a win over leaders Birkirkara.  

The Blues’ goals came from an unlikely source with Simon Zibo haunting his former club with two goals either side of half-time.

The hard-working midfielder showed excellent composure to put a swerving shot behind Matthew Grech as Sliema earned an early lead.

Sliema regained the lead after Paul Mbong’s equaliser when the Ghanaian midfielder rammed a shot past the goalkeeper after good work on the flank of Steven Pisani.

Birkirkara made a lively start and Stephane Makoma sent a low drive fraction wide from 15 metres out.

But the Stripes were soon on the back foot. Zibo played a quick one-two with Steven Pisani before curling the ball viciously away from Grech, who was deputising for the suspended Giacomo Volpi.

Sliema should have been two up soon after when from a superb quickly taken corner by Geoffrey Acheampong, Grech flapped as he tried to clear the ball.  Agustin Sandona hooked it off the line and Wescley hit the rebound out.

Maxuell Maia, at the other end, looked out of sorts for Birkirkara as he wasted a string of half-chances to put the Stripes level.

Shy the half-hour mark, Maia hit wide on the far post.

Birkirkara’s best opening fell the way of the Brazilian striker who was unable to find a way past the imposing figure of Henrique Murilo.

Stefano De Angelis made a change at halftime replacing Alex Alves with Yikpe Gnamien.

The substitute had a positive impact on his team, whose runs into space and physical duel were crucial in helping the Stripes take control of the game.  

Birkirkara’s confidence was growing, and they deservedly drew level when Paul Mbong outsprinted his marker and slotted into the far top corner with the outside of his right foot.

The Wanderers quickly resumed their offensive play and Acheampong sent in a high cross towards the centre but Plut’s looping header flew over the bar.

On 72 minutes, Sliema came out with a quick and lethal counterattack.

 The modus operandi was the same, Pisani took one touch to outsmart Neil Micallef and Shaun Dimech before squaring the ball to Zibo whose audacious flick dropped behind Grech and into the net.

The game remained lively, but Sliema kept their opponents at arms’ length to clinch a berth in the Top Six.

SLIEMA WANDERERS

K. Emeka Agu, J. Borg,  A. Magri Overand,  V. Plut (82 N. Frendo),  M. Beerman, G. Alcino, Wescley (68 M. Priadun), H. Murillo (68 M. Awad), G. Acheampong, S. Zibo, S. Pisani.

BIRKIRKARA

M. Grech, M. Cordova Mina (60 N. Cross), A. Sandona, P. Gaitan (60 S. Dimech), A. Alves (46 G. Yikpe), P. Mbong, A. Satariano, N. Micallef (80 B. Esalo), A. Coppola, S. Donovan, M. Maia.

Referee: Ishmael Barbara.

Yellow card: Coppola.