Birkirkara started their campaign with a bang when in their first task they beat Mosta by three goals to nil. It was a well deserved win for the Stripes who were the better team all throughout.
Both teams were involved in the Uefa Conference League with Mosta defeating Spartak Trnava 3-2 in the first leg of the first qualifying round but were eliminated after losing 0-2 away from home.
The Stripes eliminated La Fiorita thanks to a marginal win at home and a 1-1 draw away from home. They were eventually eliminated in the next round by Olimpija Ljubljana on penalties following an away 0-1 defeat and home 1-0 win.
The Stripes were active during the summer months bringing over Daniel Fernandes, Leandro Aguirre, Jeferson Fernandes Macedo, Diego Venancio, Ryan Scicluna and Jed Valletta with Johann Bezzina returning from a loan spell with Mosta.
On the other hand, Mosta signed within their ranks, William Donkin, Johnson Nsumoh, Luis Riascos, Romeu Romao, Luiz Igbineweka, Ivan Doric and Okosi Edhere.
The Stripes were the first to venture forward when in the 2nd minute off a Venancio corner Luke Montebello headed wide. Mosta replied two minutes later when Nsumoh tried his luck only for his shot to end inches wide.
Birkirkara were once again on the offensive nearing the half way mark when Macedo found Yankam with his headed effort saved by Mafoumbi. And on 25 minutes the best chance for the Stripes when Venancio’s freekick was partially saved by Mafoumbi but from the resultant rebound Macedo just missed the target. Ten minutes from the break off a Cain Attard cross Montebello headed once again towards goal but missed out.
Two minutes from the end of the first half Mosta went near through a Morisco free kick which ended wide.
Photos: Domenic Aquilina
Birkirkara piled on pressure on the restart and on 50 minutes Montebello was once again the thick of action heading wide. And it was in the 55th minute when the Stripes took the lead through a Macedo shot which beat Mafoumbi.
Nearing the end of the match the Stripes sealed the issue. On 90 minutes Roderick Briffa found Leandro Aguirre who from close range made no mistake.
And deep into added time Venancio set Mbong who passed towards Federico Falcone with the Stripes striker slotted home from close range.
