Triganza's late strike earns Birkirkara precious points

by Ayrton Galea - 27th October 2012

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza's late strike in a heart throbbing match gave Birkirkara a precious three points as they returned to winning ways by beating Hibernians with a 1-0 score.

The match was heading for a goal-less finish, in a dull match lacking from goal opportunities, but substitute Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, who came out in the second half had other ideas, as he scored a wonderful strike to put Birkirkara alone in the second place and narrowing the gap with Valletta to four points.

Birkirkara had a tough task adopting to the match's situations as they were forced to utilised the three substitutions as Shola Shodiya, Zach Muscat and Reuben Gauci all had to be replaced due to injury.

Birkirkara made two changes from the last outing against Hamrun Spartans as Nikola Vukanac and Ryan Camenzuli replaced Paul Fenech, who was suspended, and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Birkirkara were coming from a 3-1 defeat against Hamrun Spartans while Hibernians were coming from a 2-2 draw against Tarxien with the latter scoring a late equaliser.

Edward Herrera was making his first appearance against his former team Hibernians.

The First Half

Following a quite start, on the 11th minute, off a corner kick from the right, Bjorn Kristensen's header was blocked and off the rebound, Steve Pisani had a powerful shot ending totally over the bar on the eleventh minute.

Jean Paul Farrugia for Hibernians had a low shot ending wide on the 22nd minute.

Birkirkara had their first attempt on the 23rd minute thanks to a fine free-kick by Jhonnattann Benites which ended a bit wide.

Goal scoring opportunities were lacking as both sides were giving no space to their opponents with the match turning into a dull one with most of the possession being in the middle of the field.

Birkirkara made harsh protests with referee Esther Azzopardi, for the second consecutive harsh challenge by Marcelo Dias on Zach Muscat on the 38th minute. Protests reignited when a minute later Jhonnattann was cautioned by the referee.

Birkirkara created a fine opportunity on the 43rd minute when Shola Shodiya rounded two players, sending a perfect cross to Jhonnattan who rounded a player and had his shot ending wide.

Jhonnattann could have had an open goal chance when Gareth's deflected shot ended between Jhonnattann's legs in front of the Hibernians goalkeeper on the 45th minute.

The first half which saw both teams trying to avoid every possible danger, which created a lack of scoring opportunities, to end in a goal-less draw.

The Second Half

Hibernians opened well as Marcelo Dias went through on the wing, served Jean Paul Farrugia but his shot ended over.

Jhonnattann had a dangerous freekick on the 51st minute saved well by goalkeeper Daniel Balzan in two attempts.

Shola Shodiya had to be replaced following suffering an injury on the 53rd minute replaced by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was quick to leave his mark as he fired a powerful low shot which was saved by Balzan on the 57th minute.

Zach Muscat who was in the target of several harsh challenges had to be replaced on the 67th minute by Ryan Scicluna.

The same luck of Zack was shared by Reuben Gauci who also had to be replaced due to an arm injury, and he was replaced with Ini Akpan on the 76th minute to make his official debut with our Club.

Jhonnattann Benites had a shot on goal ending over after being served well by Triganza on the 85th minute.

When the game was looming to a boring goal-less draw, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza scored the decisive goal after he was served by Joseph Zerafa. A powerful curling shot, which gave goalkeeper Balzan no chance.

This surprising goal shocked the Hibernians' clan with Head Coach Michael Woods introducing Anderson Ribeiro to throw everything in front.

Six minutes of added time seemed to be endless for Birkirkara as Hibernians went all out searching for the equalising goal. John Nwoba had a dangerous powerful shot ending over on the 93rd minute.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza had a fine solo action concluded with a low powerful shot on the 94th minute.

The full time whistle found the Birkirkara supporters deservingly applauding the players for their magnificent performance and effort which earned them precious points.

BIRKIRKARA: Reuben Gauci (76' Ini Akpan), Zach Muscat (67' Ryan Scicluna), Alejandro Mendoza, Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Edward Herrera, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat, Ryan Camenzuli, Jhonnattann Benites, Shola Shodiya (53' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza).

HIBERNIANS: Daniel Balzan, Brandon Muscat, Rodolfo Soares, Ryan Camilleri, Bjoran Kristensen, Marcelo Dias, Jackson Lima Sequeira, Steve Pisani (65' John Nwoba), Andrew Cohen, Clayton Failla, Jean Paul Farrugia.

Scorers: 86' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara)

Yellow Cards: 16' Zach Muscat, 18' Edward Herrera, 39' Jhonnattann Benites (Birkirkara), 49' Brandon Muscat, 56' Jackson Lima De Sequira, 77' Marcelo Dias (Hibernians)

Man of the match: Marcelo Dias (Hibernians)

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