Valletta won the Carlsberg Hibernians tournament yesterday when they claimed the trophy after a 2-1 win over the hosts.

It was Valletta’s first title in the past two years or so and puts them in an encouraging position before the start of the Premier League in two weeks’ time.

Valletta missed a penalty on 18 minutes as Jerry Ani’s shot from the 11-metre spot was excellently saved by Muscat, but the citizens were not to be denied and they took the lead on 32 minutes through a Massimo Grima freekick – a fine shot which completely beat Mario Muscat in the Hibs goal.

The hosts reacted in the second half and were rewarded with an equaliser on 68 minutes through their new acquisition from Birkirkara, Nigerian striker Haruna Doda.

But their joy lasted only three minutes as Ian Zammit scored Valletta’s winner.

In the opening match yesterday, Pieta and Marsaxlokk figured in a goalless draw.

In a lacklustre match which produced few thrills, Marsaxlokk showed the better ideas in the second half when Pieta goalie Hogg blocked some attempts by the seasiders’ strikers.

Near the end, Brian Caruana went close to giving Marsaxlokk full points, but he hit wide after Hogg failed to hold a Shaun Bajada shot.