Sliema Wanderers secured their first victory in the Bottom 6 with a narrow 1–0 win over Birkirkara, courtesy of a well-taken free-kick by Steve Pisani early in the second half.

Despite not being expected to be involved in the relegation battle this season, the Wanderers’ win effectively guarantees their safety, ensuring they cannot finish in the bottom two places.

The encounter between the top two sides in the Bottom 6 proved to be a balanced contest, with limited goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Birkirkara made two changes from their previous win over Żabbar St. Patrick, with Roni Santos and the returning Franklin Sasere replacing the suspended Geoffrey Acheampong and Kemar Reid. Sliema, meanwhile, reinstated Adam Magri Overend, Steve Pisani, and Thiaguinho to the starting line-up, while Luke Montebello was given a rare start.

Birkirkara began the match on the front foot, and on 11 minutes Aleandro Garzia tested Rashed Al Tumi with a cross-shot from the right. Sliema responded shortly after when Djuranovic set up Montebello, whose powerful effort was saved by Miguel Martinez.

As the first half drew to a close, Djuranovic headed over from a cross by Magri Overend, while early in the second half Birkirkara threatened again, with Garzia’s header from a Morello cross being parried by Al Tumi.

The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute when Steve Pisani struck a superb free-kick, leaving Martinez with no chance and giving Sliema the lead.

Birkirkara struggled to mount a strong response, with Sliema managing the game effectively. The Stripes’ best late efforts came through Lacunza, whose cross-shot was saved, and a stoppage-time free-kick by Garzia, which was also comfortably handled by Al Tumi.

Sliema Wanderers:
R. Al Tumi, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend, L. Montebello (E. Agius 85’), U. Djuranovic (V. Plut 85’), R. Prša (Wescley 78’), G. Alcino, M. Freire (N. Frendo 69’), S. Pisani, T. Espindola, F. Gomes (M. Awad 78’)

Birkirkara:
M. Martinez, F. Lopez (J. Vrcic 69’), M. Morello, F. Sasere (J. Bayo 61’), L. Macula, J. Busuttil (K. Fenech 86’), L. Lacunza, N. Micallef, A. Coppola, R. Santos, A. Garzia