Hibernians: M. Muscat, K. Cassar (T. Fleri Soler), A.Pulis (J. Xerri), A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff (R. Briffa), C. Failla, P. Doffo, E. Agius, U. Nwoko, A. Cohen, J. Alcorse

Sliema W: H. Bonello, O. Anonam, I. Azzopardi, R. Bajada, M. Bartolo, J. Chetcuti (J. Mintoff), I. Ciantar (S. Pace), A. Madzar (C. Nwoko), C. Mattocks, B. Said, I. Woods

Referee: M. Borg Asst.refs: M. Debono, E. Spiteri 4th official: K. Azzopardi

Scorers: A. Madzar (2), A. Cohen pen, J. Alcorse

Yellow cards: A. Xuereb, J. Chetcuti, C. Mattocks, R. Bajada, I. Woods, I. Azzopardi

Hibernians fought gallantly to come back from two goals down and salvage a respectable draw against Sliema Wanderers in the opening match of the Euro Challenge Cup yesterday. Madzar’s first half brace seemed to have given Sliema a comfortable lead, despite Hibernians lion’s share of possession. Two goals in the last quarter hour though, avoided defeat for Hibernians.

This new season’s curtain raiser, played at such an early stage, understandably lacked pace and flair but regaled the few scores present at Ta’ Qali with four goals and plenty of goalmouth action.

Both teams were below strength with many regulars missing from their starting line-up and several youngsters among their substitutes. Sliema fielded their new signings Bartolo and Azzopardi while Hibernians’ new foreigner, the lanky Alcorse, started in attack and although looking rather clumsy in his new environment, he scored his side’s late equaliser.

Hibernians created the early chances with a Cohen free-kick and a Doffo cross, on which Alcorse failed to connect.

Sliema’s first threat came after 13 minutes as Woods’ shot went slightly over. But as Hibernians were enjoying more possession, Sliema broke the deadlock on 18 minutes. Aleksander Madzar, standing at the far end, stretched his leg to deflect Bajada’s free-kick from the left past the helpless keeper Muscat.

Hibernians retained a firm grip on the proceedings and although their build-up was highly predictable, with Cohen their main point of reference, the Paolites went close to equalising in between a 20-minute spell.

Nwoko ran in for Pulis’ cross from the left but his effort was blocked by a panicky Sliema defence. A Doffo thunderous free-kick was turned single-handed over the bar by the outstretched Bonello in goal and a Failla effort sailed just wide.

Sliema increased their lead against the run of play on 38 minutes. Bartolo went down the left flank, sent a low cross for Madzar to beat Muscat from close range.

Sliema’s scorer was substituted by Nwoko in the second half and the latter created a good opportunity after three minutes, when, going past his opponent from near the byeline, he passed low for the unmarked Woods who shot horrendously wide.

On the other end, keeper Bonello produced a superb save as he turned Cohen’s goal bound effort into a corner.

Past the hour, Bonello again foiled Cohen, blocking at his feet when put through by Nwoko.

Hibernians threatened again on 70 minutes when Alcorse served Nwoko but Said blocked his effort into a corner.

With a quarter hour remaining, Hibernians were awarded a penalty as Cohen fell under Said’s challenge and the same player beat Bonello with a powerful strike from the spot.

As they kept probing for an equaliser, Hibernians’ efforts were rewarded six minutes from time as Julio Alcorse beat the Sliema keeper with an angled shot from the left to earn his side a more than deserved draw.

By virtue of this result, Hibernians will now play champions Marsaxlokk tomorrow.