Hibernians came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over ten-man Gżira United, while Birkirkara and Floriana shared the points in a 1-1 draw in Thursday’s Malta Premier League encounters.

The results further intensified the battle for places in the Top Six, with Hibernians moving closer to the teams immediately above them while Birkirkara missed an opportunity to strengthen their position.

Birkirkara 1–1 Floriana

Birkirkara were forced to settle for a point against Floriana despite taking an early lead through Franklin Sasere.

The Stripes made an impressive start and almost opened the scoring after just two minutes when Sasere met Aleandro Garzia’s cross with a header that struck the upright.

However, the Nigerian striker made amends in the fourth minute when he collected a pass from Pahoma and unleashed a powerful effort past Floriana goalkeeper Cioletti.

Floriana gradually recovered from the early setback and restored parity in the 16th minute.

Stephen Odey released Paul Mbong inside the penalty area, and the Malta international intelligently laid the ball into the path of Kenan Dervisagic, who finished from close range.

Both goalscorers remained dangerous throughout the opening half. Sasere forced Cioletti into a save with a low drive from outside the area, while Dervisagic struck the upright with a header at the opposite end.

Birkirkara continued to threaten after the interval, with Pahoma wasting an excellent opportunity when he fired over following good work by Sasere.

The Nigerian striker then went close again in the 66th minute, sending a powerful volley narrowly wide.

Floriana finished the stronger of the two sides, with Odey testing goalkeeper André Onana Ondoa before Romano also threatened with a low effort.

However, neither team could find a winner, leaving Floriana third on 16 points and Birkirkara seventh on 11.

The result represented another missed opportunity for the Stripes, who have dropped valuable points in recent weeks as they attempt to secure a place among the leading six teams.

Scorers: Franklin Sasere 4′ (B); Kenan Dervisagic 16′ (F).

Hibernians 2–1 Gżira United

Hibernians produced a second-half comeback to defeat Gżira United 2-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, taking full advantage of their opponents being reduced to ten men.

The Maroons enjoyed the better of the opening hour and deservedly took the lead through substitute Luisinho, but an own goal from Filipe Maio and a late strike by Isaiah Chukunyere secured three important points for the Paolites.

Gżira were forced into an early substitution when David Xuereb suffered an injury after 15 minutes, with Luisinho introduced in his place.

The Brazilian quickly made his presence felt, firing narrowly over in the 24th minute before breaking the deadlock four minutes later.

Luisinho showed excellent footwork inside the penalty area to create space before beating Hibernians goalkeeper Cardinali with a precise finish.

Gżira continued to threaten, with Brooklyn Borg forcing Cardinali into another important save.

However, Hibernians drew level four minutes before half-time in fortunate circumstances.

Young midfielder Jayden Roe advanced towards the penalty area, and Maio, attempting to intercept his run, inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.

The Maroons regained the initiative after the restart, with Fofana testing Cardinali in the 53rd minute.

The turning point arrived on the hour when João Teixeira brought down Mbong just outside the penalty area.

Referee Slobodan Petrovic initially showed the defender a yellow card but upgraded the punishment to a red following a Football Video Support review.

With a numerical advantage, Hibernians increased the pressure and almost took the lead when Bjorn Kristensen headed against the crossbar.

Gżira goalkeeper Colombo then produced an important save to deny Romling in the 69th minute, while substitute Jurgen Degabriele went close shortly after his introduction.

The decisive goal eventually arrived in the 84th minute when Colombo parried Mbong’s effort into the path of Chukunyere, who reacted quickest to fire home.

The victory lifted Hibernians to 12 points, one behind Mosta and Ħamrun Spartans, keeping them firmly in contention for a Top Six finish.

Gżira, meanwhile, remain joint bottom with Birżebbuġa St Peter’s on four points, with their struggle for points continuing.

Scorers: Filipe Maio 41′ og, Isaiah Chukunyere 84′ (H); Luisinho 28′ (G).

Sent off: João Teixeira (Gżira United, 60′).