Sliema Wanderers scored a late equaliser to hold champions Birkirkara to a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium.

The match turned out to be a balanced encounter with both teams cancelling each other in a drab first half during which the Stripes created the best chance when Demba Toure saw his close-range header somehow kept out by Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Birkirkara improved considerably after the interval and they deservedly took the lead on 70 minutes when in a quick break, Shola Haruna picked Toure who anticipated the onrushing Bonello to head the ball into the net.

But Sliema kept fighting and their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes from time.

The Birkirkara defence failed to clear a Paltemio Barbetti free-kick with the ball falling into the path of Muchardi who hit a fierce volley that flew into the back of the net.

Sliema midfielder Matthias Muchardi was voted as the BOV Player of the Match.