The second match of the triangular challenge, between Malta’s participants in European competitions, will be held this evening at Ta’ Qali between Birkirkara and Hibernians (Kick-off at 8pm).

The Yellow/Reds will be eagre to make amends for the defeat by Sliema Wanderers in the first match last Monday as another setback today will see them out of contention.

Against Sliema, Birkirkara fielded an understrength side, but that is scant consolation for going down heavily against the champions with some other highly experienced players, such as Bonnici, Lino Galea, Camenzuli, Barbara, Sammut and Ciantar still in their line-up.

Birkirkara may be tempted to give Bulgarian defender Emil Yanchev some longer playing time after he went in as a late substitute last Monday. Portuguese Nuno Dos Santos Gomes is the other foreign player on trial for Birkirkara, prior to deciding on who joins Monye in the club’s quota for foreigners.

Former Birkirkara player, Haruna Doda is expected to make his competitive debut for Hibernians this evening after the Nigerian joined the Paolites this season as a replacement for the departed Chukunyere.

Hibernians, with Malta’s footballer of the year, Andrew Cohen among their ranks, remain a most competitive side.They are also bolstered by the fact that defender Adrian Pulis has renewed his contract for a further five years with the club as well as by Marsaxlokk’s talented schemer David Camilleri’s decision to stay for another season with the Paola club.

Hibernians might also introduce Serbian midfielder Goran Njamculovic, who is currently on trial with the club, to assess his qualities for a possibility of him being their third foreigner this season.

The competition’s final match will be played next Friday between Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians.