Ħamrun Spartans etched another chapter in the history of Maltese football as they clinched a landmark victory in the UEFA Conference League main stage – Malta’s first-ever win in a UEFA club competition.
The Spartans finally secured their first three points of the campaign after coming agonisingly close in previous outings, particularly against Jagiellonia and Lausanne, where missed opportunities proved costly.
This long-awaited victory now places the Spartans just outside the play-off spots, level on points with several teams but trailing on goal difference.
Ħamrun’s success was built on their superiority across all areas of the pitch, although Gibraltar champions Lincoln Red Imps still managed to threaten goalkeeper Henry Bonello on a couple of occasions.
The Spartans dominated the first half but were unable to convert their chances.
In the opening 45 minutes, they held 60% possession, completed 189 passes, generated 0.89 Expected Goals (xG), created three big chances, and took 11 shots – five of which forced saves from Lincoln’s goalkeeper – while also earning four corners.
But football can be ruthless. Against the run of play, Lincoln stunned the Ta’ Qali National Stadium by taking the lead.
The Gibraltar side entered the match with four points, having already beaten Lech Poznań and drawn with Rijeka.
A victory in Malta would have put them on seven points and firmly in control of a play-off push. Despite having a few quality players. notably 25-year-old Gibraltar international playmaker Tyaj De Barr – Lincoln stuck to a conservative, old-school approach.
New coach Juanjo Bezares has shifted to a four-man backline, but the team’s reliance on long balls, long throw-ins, and set-pieces appeared more hopeful than ambitious, even if aerial duels remain one of their strengths.
At half-time, Giacomo Modica introduced Semir Smajlagic and Mouad El Fanis – changes that proved decisive.
El Fanis slotted into a left inside-midfield role, often drifting into pockets behind the striker, while Smailagic added depth-attacking movement.
Despite falling behind, Ħamrun showed admirable resilience. The match’s turning point came just past the hour mark when Lincoln were reduced to ten men – the fourth straight red card in three head-to-head matches between the sides. A late sending-off for Vincenzo Polito made it five total this season.
The numerical advantage transformed the game.
N’Dri Koffi charged down the left flank, using his physicality and ball progression before cutting back for El Fanis to equalise. Koffi, who started as a striker before shifting wide, embodied the flexibility Modica expects.
“He is good both as a forward and as a winger. It’s about consistency. Physically, he gives us so much and creates many chances. Maybe the final third isn’t always his strength, but we are happy with him. It’s not about one goalscorer – it’s collective effort. When multiple players score, it shows we have an identity,” Modica told the Times of Malta.
Smailagic then showcased his instinct once more, rising superbly to head home Rafael Compri’s delivery.
Ante Ćorić sealed the comeback with a symbolic goal of his own. The marquee summer signing was not expected to feature due to limited fitness, but Modica needed a press-resistant midfielder in the final stages.
“I wasn’t thinking of playing him,” Modica said Coric.
“But in the last 10 minutes I needed someone who can handle possession – he has that quality.”
For Ćorić, a former Roma player, the goal served as both personal redemption and a breakthrough moment in Europe.
By full time, Ħamrun had produced 2.25 xG, five big chances, 22 shots, and forced eight saves. They also completed 399 passes to Lincoln’s 274 – an impressive tally for a single European match.
It could easily have been more.
The Spartans’ biggest frustration this campaign has been converting chances. Saliou Thioune, a standout performer in the qualifiers, continues to create danger but remains without a goal in the main phase.
“He is very sensitive, still 21. Not scoring affects his confidence, but this is part of his growth. He didn’t come off because he was doing badly – it was simply tactical,” Modica explained.
Ħamrun now sit 30th in the league phase standings with two crucial matches ahead, against fourth-placed Shakhtar Donetsk (9 points) and Shamrock Rovers, who are second from bottom with one point.
For Modica, the focus is not just on the six points still available but on the belief his squad carries into the final stretch.
Left-back Ryan Camenzuli highlighted the impact of Modica’s half-time adjustments and the familiarity of facing Lincoln after last year’s Champions League meeting.
“We knew about them from last season’s meeting, and we were aware of their growth, but at the same time, we know that we are an improved squad from last season too,” Camenzuli pointed out.
The victory also brings a significant €400,000 prize – an important financial boost for the club.
Club president Joseph Portelli summed up the night.
“In our debut match it was emotional. Now we wanted to win. We faced a team with four points already, but we were better throughout. The revenue helps, but the most important thing is making history as the first Maltese team to win a European match.”
