Balzan scored a crucial late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against Hibernians in the Bottom Six. The result sees Balzan draw level on points with Naxxar Lions, although Naxxar still have a game in hand as the two sides battle to avoid automatic relegation to the Challenge League.
Hibernians, meanwhile, have secured their place in next season’s Malta Premier League, but the Paolites have now gone three matches without a win. They enjoyed a dream start when they were awarded a penalty after five minutes, with Samir Arab pulling down Jurgen Degabriele inside the area. Lucas Villela stepped up to calmly convert from the spot.
Balzan came close to equalising on 31 minutes when Awosanya Dimeji’s rising shot from the left crashed against the crossbar. Just before half-time, Nicholas Pulis fired over from a Jan Busuttil corner.
After the break, Balzan pushed forward in search of a leveller. Rafael Floro delivered a dangerous cross on 51 minutes but found no takers. The match then saw a quick exchange of red cards, with Hibernians’ Kevin Fraga sent off for a second booking on the hour mark, before Balzan captain Samir Arab was also dismissed seconds later.
Balzan continued to apply pressure, with Busuttil shooting wide from distance on 68 minutes, followed by a powerful but off-target drive from Luka Lukovic two minutes later. Pablo Sanchez kept Hibernians in the lead with a fine save on a cross-shot from Victor Blasco, while a Floro free kick sailed over.
Marko Bacanin’s header from a Pulis cross was saved on 79 minutes. Two minutes from time, Balzan had a golden opportunity when awarded a penalty, but Blasco’s spot-kick was saved by Sanchez. Nevertheless, a minute later, Balzan found the breakthrough when Pulis set up Elvis Kamsoba, who rifled a shot into the top right corner to secure a point.
Source: Hibs FC
