ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 1
Marcelina 27 (pen.)

HIBERNIANS 2
Miullen 81 (pen.)
Halabaku 120

Kevin Halabaku scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Hibernians came from behind to beat Ħamrun Spartans 2-1 and win the BOV Super Cup at the National Stadium.

It was a stunning turnaround in a match Ħamrun dominated for long stretches. The Spartans led through Emerson Marcelina’s first-half penalty and controlled proceedings for much of the opening 70 minutes, but their inability to find a second goal proved costly.

Hibernians grew stronger as the match progressed, with the introductions of Miullen, Halabaku and Mailson injecting fresh energy into their play. Miullen equalised from the penalty spot 10 minutes from time, and after Ħamrun were reduced to ten men in extra-time, the Paolites sensed their moment.

Halabaku delivered it in the dying seconds, rifling home a superb strike from the edge of the area to seal Hibs’ fifth Super Cup triumph and hand Ħamrun their first-ever defeat in a Super Cup final.

First-half dominance

Ħamrun coach Giacomo Modica retained the same starting XI that had thrashed Naxxar Lions 4-0, while Hibs coach Branko Nisevic deployed Bjorn Kristensen as part of a three-man central defence alongside Kurt Shaw and Charleston.

The Spartans controlled possession early on and created the better chances. After 10 minutes, Joseph Mbong tested goalkeeper Branescu, and shortly after, Shaisen Attard struck the crossbar following good work from Damir Ceter.

Ħamrun eventually broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when Marcelina converted from the penalty spot.

Despite their dominance, the Spartans failed to extend their lead. Ceter and Bulevardi both went close, twice striking the woodwork, while Michele Carboni fired narrowly wide after coming on at half-time.

Hibs fight back

Hibernians introduced Halabaku and Miullen at the restart and gradually found their rhythm. Miullen threatened before winning a penalty on 80 minutes after being fouled by Ognjen Bjelicic. The Brazilian calmly slotted home the equaliser.

Mailson nearly completed the turnaround late in regulation time, but Henry Bonello produced an important save to force extra-time.

Ħamrun pressed in the first period of extra-time but lacked precision in front of goal. Hibs nearly struck through a header that hit the upright before the turning point arrived eight minutes from time when Bjelicic received a second yellow card, leaving the Spartans with ten men.

With penalties looming, Halabaku settled matters in spectacular fashion, unleashing a powerful drive that beat Bonello and sparked wild celebrations among the Paola supporters.

Teams

Ħamrun Spartans: H. Bonello, R. Compri, M. Guillaumier, S. Attard (I. Inzoudine 74), N. Garcia, J. Mbong (M. Carboni 46, Jonny 88), V. Polito (O. Bjelicic 74), D. Ceter, D. Bulevardi (Eder 88), E. Marcelina, R. Camenzuli (E. Blessing 102).

Hibernians: L. Branescu, A. Silas (A. Diakite 90), K. Shaw, L. Caruana (T. Halabaku 46), M. Debattista (57), B. Kristensen, D. Xuereb, D. Norenkov (D. Bonnici 75), P. Henrique, S. Akinbule (Miullen 46), Charleston.

Referee: Alex Johnson
Yellow cards: Kristensen, Polito, Bjelicic, Silas, Mailson
Red card: Bjelicic (Ħ) 114