Stephan Makoma emerged as Birkirkara’s unlikely hero on Sunday evening, netting a dramatic late winner to hand the Stripes a vital 1–0 victory over rivals Valletta at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

In a tense and largely uneventful contest that appeared destined to end goalless, Makoma’s decisive header five minutes from time earned Birkirkara their third win of the Closing Round and lifted them to sixth place on nine points, reigniting hopes of a Top 6 finish.

The derby struggled to spark into life in the opening half, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Birkirkara’s only notable attempt came from Jacques Bayo, whose effort drifted harmlessly wide. Valletta went closer at the other end, first through Ahmed Adebayo, who fired over from inside the area, and later when Emmanuel Mbende rattled the crossbar after meeting Yuri Messias’ corner just before the interval.

The second half brought a touch more drama. Early after the restart, referee Slobodan Petrovic awarded Birkirkara a penalty after Steve Borg was adjudged to have handled the ball while blocking Aleandro Garzia’s effort. Alessandro Coppola stepped up but was denied by a superb save from Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Maringa.

The match remained finely balanced, with both sides struggling to impose themselves in the final third. Maringa again proved Valletta’s saviour five minutes from time, producing another fine stop to keep out a low drive by substitute Jere Vrcic.

However, the Citizens’ resistance finally cracked from the resulting corner. Makoma rose highest in the area to power a firm header past Maringa, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Birkirkara supporters.