Birżebbuġa St Peter’s secured a historic promotion to the Malta Premier after defeating Swieqi United 7-6 on penalties in the BOV Challenge League Promotion Decider at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday.

The result marks a second successive promotion for Edgar Degabriele’s side, who had already earned promotion from the National Amateur League I last season.

Swieqi United made the stronger start and went ahead after just 10 minutes when Zak Barbara converted from the penalty spot.

Birżebbuġa responded positively and restored parity on 28 minutes, with Daniel Zerafa heading home from an Alex Bruno corner to make it 1-1.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the contest moved into extra time. However, after another goalless period, the match was ultimately decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Birżebbuġa opened the shoot-out through Alex Bruno, while Swieqi captain Paul Fenech saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi. Daniel Zerafa then converted for Birżebbuġa before Juan Cruz Aguilar replied for Swieqi.

Charles Samson Chibuike missed the target for Birżebbuġa, allowing Kian Lenardi to level matters. Matthew Xuereb and Augusto Rene Caseres both converted, followed by successful efforts from Jacob Walker and Kojo Okle.

Joey Reno Vella scored Birżebbuġa’s next penalty, with Michael Micallef responding for Swieqi. Leo Agius and Daniel Agius then both found the net before Zachary Cassar converted to give Birżebbuġa a 7-6 advantage.

That left Samuel Okoh needing to score to keep Swieqi alive, but he sent his effort over the bar, sparking celebrations among the Birżebbuġa players and supporters.

The dramatic victory confirms Birżebbuġa St Peter’s place in the Malta Premier for the first time in the club’s history.