Birkirkara brought an end to a bleak run of six consecutive defeats in emphatic fashion, netting three second-half goals to claim a convincing 3–0 victory over Hibernians.

Stephan Makoma was the standout performer for the Stripes, striking twice with two superb long-range efforts as Birkirkara dominated after the break in what proved to be a match of contrasting halves.

Hibernians enjoyed the better of the opening period and controlled much of the first half, but their failure to convert possession into goals ultimately proved costly. After the interval, Birkirkara emerged transformed, scoring three unanswered goals and sealing an impressive success.

The Paolites looked the more threatening side early on, with Dexter Xuereb testing Matthew Grech from distance on 24 minutes, the Birkirkara goalkeeper doing well to push the effort away. Grech was again called into action shortly after, reacting sharply to tip over Mailson’s powerful shot.

On the half-hour mark, Grech denied Mailson once more, parrying a dangerous cross-shot before Makoma intervened to block Pedro Henrique’s follow-up effort.

The game shifted dramatically after the restart as Birkirkara came out with renewed purpose. Gianluca Festa’s half-time words clearly had the desired effect, with the Stripes striking in their first meaningful attack.

A free-kick from the left flank, delivered by substitute Shaun Dimech, was deflected into Makoma’s path, and the midfielder unleashed a thunderous drive that left Hugo Sacco with no chance.

Hibernians were visibly shaken, and Birkirkara pressed their advantage. On 58 minutes, a defensive lapse allowed Kemar Reid to latch onto a long ball and fire a low shot past the stranded Sacco to double the lead.

The Stripes were now firmly in control and effectively settled the contest just minutes later. Reid picked out Makoma from distance, and the midfielder responded with another stunning strike from around 30 metres, the ball arcing beautifully into the net beyond the helpless Sacco.

Hibernians attempted to respond, with Xuereb going close on 73 minutes, but Grech produced another fine save to turn his effort behind. The Paolites were unlucky not to score late on when Pedro Henrique rattled the upright on 81 minutes, with Grech beaten.

It was ultimately a dominant second-half display from Birkirkara, capped by Makoma’s brilliance, that secured a morale-boosting win and a welcome return to form.