Sliema W.-Hibernians 2-2
To Sliema went the first honour of the new season as they drew 2-2 with Hibernians yesterday to win the Cup on a better goal difference.
The two teams had finished with three points, well ahead of Birkirkara, who finished with no points. Sliema had beaten Birkirkara 3-0 while Hibs got the better of the Stripes 2-1.
The champions offered champagne fare, especially in the first half, despite playing in front of a small crowd at Ta' Qali.
In that opening period, it was a delight to watch the Sliema players finding themselves with great ease with some one touch football which has become a rarity in Maltese football nowadays.
Every player seemed to be playing his heart out but after missing at least three good chances following Stefan Giglio's goal which gave them the lead, they were shocked to see the Paolites equalising at a stage when a goal appeared more likely at the Muscat end.
All in all, Hibs deserved an equaliser as in the opening 15 minutes, they had also created the best chances. And they managed to strike back at a time when they appeared to be struggling.
One has to commend the Paolites for doing exactly the same thing in the second half, but they could not find their way past a solid Sliema rearguard for a third time and the draw was not enough to see them win the Cup which still eludes them.
Hibs went close to opening the score on eight minutes when off a Cohen cross, Scerri's first timer went just over. On 16 minutes, it was Scerri who crossed for Cohen who headed strongly, but Akanji brought the house down with a flying save to corner.
Sliema, however, took the lead on the 25th minute. Following two successive corners by Woods, the ball was cleared to Bogdanovic who crossed into the small area where Stefan Giglio was on hand to beat Muscat with a good header.
On 29 minutes, after another Woods corner, Anonam had his header going just over. A minute later, a Turner cross was punched out by Muscat onto Woods' feet, but the Sliema striker hit wildly over the bar.
On 31 minutes, as Sliema increased the pressure, a fine move involving, Doncic, Bogdanovic and Woods ended with Doncic lifting his effort over the post.
A second goal appeared to be in the offing, but it arrived at the other end on 36 minues. A Cohen freekick hit the upright with Akanji beaten and Essiem Mbong was on hand to head the ball into the untenanted net.
Sliema took the lead once again on 52 minutes. And what a goal it was! Bogdanovic crossed into the area and Doncic beat Muscat with an excellent flying header.
On 61 minutes, Bogdanovic was set by Giglio, but Muscat rushed out of his charge to block in extremis.
On 66 minutes, Hibernians equalised once again through another splendid goal. DiLello lost a ball to Peter Pullicino who advanced on the right flank to send in an inviting low cross which was met first time by Terence Scerri, giving Akanji no chance.
On 82 minutes, Hibernians almost snatched the lead when Cohen anticipated Akanji only to see the ball going just wide. At the other end, in injury time, Woods missed a sitter before the final whistle.
At the end, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud presented the Cup to Sliema W. Captain Noel Turner.
Sliema W.: M. Akanji, J. Brincat, M. DiLello, B. Said, N. Turner, D. Bogdanovic, D. Doncic (J. Farrugia), J. Chetcuti, I. Woods, O. Anonam, S. Giglio.
Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Pullicino, A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff, E. Mbong, A. Cohen, R. Baldacchino (C. Failla), T. Scerri, D. Camilleri, H. Doda (B. Camilleri).
Referee: J. Attard Asst refs: P. Agius, J. Rapa 4th official: K. Azzopardi.
Scorers: S. Giglio, E. Mbong, D. Doncic,
Yellow cards: J. Brincat, S. Giglio, J. Chetcuti, C. Failla.