Hibernians dropped their first points of the season after being held to a 2-2 draw by Sliema Wanderers this evening.
With maximum points from their opening seven games, Hibs looked set to extend their flawless start after coming back from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead midway into the second half but Sliema rescued a point thanks to captain Alex Muscat 13 minutes from time.
A draw against the leaders provided a boost for Sliema after they had lost their unbeaten run following a 3-0 defeat to Valletta in their last match.
This game took a while to come to life as Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers lacked fluency for much of the opening 25 minutes.
Scoring opportunities were rare in the initial stages.
Paltemio Barbetti, Sliema's Italian midfielder, hit wide from a tight angle before Hibs' winger Clayton Failla mishit his effort.
A minute short of the half-hour, Sliema finally produced a scoring opportunity. Trevor Cilia's cross from the right flew across the face of goal and towards Bello-Osagie but the Nigerian's far-post header was deflected away for a corner by Matthew Bartolo.
Eight minutes from half-time, Hibs forward Luis Edison left a couple of Sliema defenders in his wake as he sped into the box but his cross found no takers.
Moments later, Lima cross sparked a goalmouth scramble with the ball falling to Obinna Obiefule whose weak shot was easily saved by Henry Bonello, the Sliema goalkeeper.
It was Sliema who took the lead two minutes from half-time. Barbetti's low free-kick from the inside-right channel was partially blocked by the Hibs defence, the ball was deflected towards Cilia who hit a low shot past Muscat from an angled position.
Just before the end of the opening half, Failla had a good chance to level matters for Hibs as Lima's free-kick sailed towards the Malta wing-back but his near-post header was off target.
Five minutes into second half, Sliema's Matias Muchardi volleyed wide from an inviting position.
At the other end, Hibs should have equalised when Edison released Obiefule in the box but the Nigerian striker was thwarted by the on-rushing Bonello.
The Paolites made it 1-1 on 61 minutes. Failla's well-hit free-kick was pushed onto the crossbar by Bonello but the ball dropped to Lima who fired home from close range.
Hibs' equaliser had a demoralising effect on Sliema who conceded again after four minutes. Failla again played a prominent role as he advanced on the left before hitting a cross that was headed in by Andrew Cohen.
The momentum was with Hibs but Sliema fought back. Thirteen minutes from time, Sliema equalised thanks to captain Alex Muscat who fired past Muscat after receiving from Muchardi.
Lima, the Hibernians midfielder, was named BOV player of the match.