Hibernians secured the final place in the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round Top Six with a 2-1 comeback victory over Balzan on Saturday, while Birkirkara missed out after being held to a 2-2 draw by Birżebbuġa St Peter’s.

Żabbar St Patrick delivered the evening’s most emphatic performance, sweeping aside Mosta 5-0, while a late exchange of goals saw Sliema Wanderers and Ħamrun Spartans draw 1-1.

The results confirmed that Valletta, Sliema, Ħamrun, Marsaxlokk, Floriana and Hibernians will contest the Top Six. Birkirkara, Żabbar, Mosta, Balzan, Birżebbuġa and Gżira United will compete in the Bottom Six.

Hibernians had to recover from an early setback against Balzan, who went ahead through Awosanya after 13 minutes.

The Paolites turned the match around after the interval. Romling equalised in the 51st minute before Mbong converted a penalty on 65 minutes to secure three crucial points.

The victory lifted Hibernians to 16 points, beyond the reach of their remaining rivals for qualification.

At the Tony Bezzina Stadium, Birkirkara twice came from behind against Birżebbuġa but could not find the winner they needed to keep their Top Six hopes alive.

Alex Bruno put Birżebbuġa ahead after 14 minutes, with Franklin Sasere levelling from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute. Stipe Tokić restored Birżebbuġa’s advantage with another penalty just before the break.

Zach Muscat brought Birkirkara level again on 66 minutes, but the Stripes could not complete the turnaround. They finished their league-phase programme on 15 points, one behind Hibernians.

Żabbar, meanwhile, ended Mosta’s qualification hopes with a commanding display at the Centenary Stadium.

Vinicius broke the deadlock after 31 minutes before four second-half goals transformed the contest into a rout. Kayden Fenech doubled the advantage three minutes after the restart, and Alfredo Agyeman added the third in the 53rd minute.

Substitute Mario Fontanella struck on 66 minutes before Charles M’Mombwa completed the scoring six minutes later.

The result brought Żabbar level with Mosta on 14 points. Although both missed out on the Top Six, the Saints will approach the next phase encouraged by an emphatic victory.

Sliema and Ħamrun appeared set for a goalless draw until Calleja put the Wanderers ahead in the 86th minute. Marcelina responded in the 90th minute to earn the Spartans a point.

Sliema moved to 18 points and Ħamrun to 17, with both assured of their Top Six places.

Sunday’s remaining fixtures will determine the final league-phase positions, with the composition of the two sections now settled.