BALZAN 3 BIRKIRKARA 2
Oscar Guerrero’s finish deep into stoppage time earned Balzan an unbelievable last-gasp win over Birkirkara who will ruefully look back at their casual approach to the match.
Balzan’s early pressure receded as Birkirkara seized the lead after 28 minutes following a good opening on the left, engineered Rafael Ledesma. The Brazilian’s cross soared towards the Balzan’s box and Liliu directed a dipping header past Steve Sultana.
But Balzan restored parity seven minutes later. Former Birkirkara striker Jeanpierre Mifsud Triganza unleashed a stinging shot from outside the box that Malta International goalkeeper Justin Haber appeared to have under control but let the ball slip from his grasp and over his body into the net.
The few Balzan faithful were elated but not for long. In the 39th minute, Paul Fenech burst clear before unleashing a low drive which was smothered by Sultana. This proved to be the preamble to Birkirkara’s restored lead. The Brazilian striker Liliu pounced on a short clearance by Balzan, before sprinting into the box and guiding an unstoppable shot past Sultana.
Balzan’s inclination to attack down the right flank was giving Birkirkara a torrid time after the interval. In the 53rd minute, Gianmarco Piccioni ran clear on the flank before floating a dangerous ball to Mifsud Triganza who failed to trouble Haber.
Few moments later, Lydon Micallef rifled wide at the end of another quick Balzan raid that also involved Edison Bilbao Zarate.
On the hour mark, Birkirkara surrendered their lead for the second time when Balzan levelled. Piccioni’s initial shot appeared to ricochet off his teammate Micallef but the ball rolled to Mifsud Triganza who fired home to send the Balzan fans into raptures.
Birkirkara thought they had sneaked another late winner when Grech’s cross flew towards the unmarked Eliandro but the latter’s volley finished well over the bar with goal at mercy.
But Balzan sensed their chance when deep into stoppage time as Birkirkara lost all sense of discipline. Making a quick transition from defence to attack, Oscar Guerrero moved forward before unleashing a fierce shot which was partially. The Columbian striker took the rebound to brilliantly slot the ball behind Haber.