HIBERNIANS 4 NAXXAR LIONS 1
Ten-man Hibernians turned the tables on Naxxar to ensure that Hibernians ended the first round without a defeat.
Lions Julian Azzopardi was in early action to save from Luis Edison after four minutes while few moments later, Thiago Lopes almost committed an own goal when his clearance from Marcelo Dias finished on the bar, much to the relief of the Brazilian defender. In the 14th minute, Edison appeared to surprise Naxxar as he was able to weave through the defence unchallenged and shot tamely at Azzopardi.
Naxxar, arguably against the run of play, took the lead after 19 minutes with a devastating counter-attack. Gilmar broke away and fed Jeremiah Ani on the right flank. A teasing cross by the Nigerian striker found Duane Bonnici on the far post who had timed his run into the box to perfection to stab the ball home.
Hibernians’ depleted numbers were always going to be dangerous for Naxxar. And so it proved as the leaders drew level after 27 minutes when Jackson Lima curled the ball low into the bottom corner of the net.
The match shifted decisively towards Hibernians after 32 minutes when Clayton Failla sent Azzopardi the wrong way from the penalty spot. Winston Muscat’s players complained loudly and at length over referee Kevin Azzopardi’s decision to award a spot-kick for Ryan Cassar’s challenge on Edison, but rarely showed as much energy in attack afterwards.
Ani did not get the much-needed support as the Paolities improved markedly at the start of the second half and were in full control.
It was Nisevic’s men who continued to carve out the better opening, Bjorn Kristensen drawing a superb stop from Azzopardi after 64 minutes. The Naxxar goalkeeper also denied Edison on the follow-up of Kristensen’s chance.
But two minutes later, former Hibernians midfielder Pablo Doffo flashed a warning to Hibernians that this game was not done yet as he swerved a free-kick against the bar.
Yet it was the Paolities who finished strongly to add further gloss to the scoreline. Cohen crossed low for the darting Edison to poke in at the near post, eight minutes from time. And if the game required the perfect finish, substitute Obinna Obiefule provided it when the Nigerian headed Hibs’ fourth from Cohen’s cross.