GŻIRA UNITED 2

Okoye 33, Garba 47

SLIEMA WANDERERS 1

Shaw 30

Gżira United wrote another page in their club’s history when they fulfilled their dream of playing European football next season - something they have not achieved since the 1973/74 season when they face Brann Bergen of Norway in the then Cup Winners’ Cup competition.

On the half hour mark, Sliema opened their account. Matias Muchardi supplied a perfect ball from free-kick for Kurt Shaw who nipped in to head firmly past Anthony Curmi, the Maroons' goalkeeper.

Yet, Gżira were back on level terms three minutes later. Antonio Cotticelli effected two vital interventions to stop Zack Scerri’s low drive and Haruna Garba’s close-range attempt from the rebound but the ball fell to Emmanuel Okoye who hit a crisp half-volley that flashed into the top corner.

Soon after the break, Andrew Cohen put his free-kick skills to the test but his effort was pushed over the bar by Cotticelli. But a goal was in the air and from the ensuing corner, Cohen lofted a cross towards the far post where Garba headed the ball down past Cotticelli.

BOV Player of the match Haruna Garba (Gżira United)