Two penalties scored by Oluwatobiloba Awosanya in the final eight minutes enabled Balzan to turn defeat into a 2-1 victory over Gżira United.

After a goalless first half, Gżira took the lead just past the hour through Brooklyn Borg and appeared on course for their first points of the season. Balzan, however, produced a late comeback, with Awosanya converting from the penalty spot in the 82nd and 88th minutes.

The victory moves Balzan onto four points, while Gżira remain at the bottom of the table after suffering their third defeat in as many matches.

Gżira welcomed back Gabriel Bohrer Mentz following a one-match suspension, while Filipe Maio was handed a starting berth. Marc van de Bovenkamp and Jonathan Farias were among the substitutes.

Balzan were without suspended Jake Portelli, with Samir Arab and Nicholas Pulis coming into the starting line-up. Sean Cipriott was introduced during the second half.

Gżira started brightly and threatened after only two minutes when Luisinho’s effort from outside the area went narrowly wide.

Three minutes later, a good combination between Andrew Borg and Luisinho created an opportunity for Brooklyn Borg, whose effort from the right was blocked behind for a corner.

Andrew Borg then tested Balzan goalkeeper Manuel Djalo with a shot from distance on 11 minutes, but the goalkeeper managed to parry the attempt.

Balzan responded seven minutes later when Nikola Djoric’s long-range effort was saved by Edoardo Colombo.

Jake Grech then headed wide from Djoric’s cross before Colombo denied Balzan again, blocking Leo Fernandes’ free-kick from the left in the 26th minute.

Three minutes later, Macula tested Colombo with a powerful effort from the edge of the area.

Gżira came close again in the 38th minute when Albion Pllana’s close-range header from Andy Borg’s cross was turned behind for a corner.

From Luisinho’s resulting corner, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz headed narrowly wide.

Four minutes later, Djoric lost possession and Brooklyn Borg released Andy Borg, whose effort from inside the area went just wide.

Balzan continued to search for the breakthrough after the restart. Jake Grech tested Colombo with a free-kick from the left four minutes into the second half.

Awosanya then set up substitute Mohamed Yahaya, whose backheel effort narrowly missed the target.

Balzan thought they had been awarded a penalty shortly afterwards, but referee Joseph Scerri’s decision was overturned following an FVS review. The replay showed that Mentz had not fouled Grech inside the area.

Gżira took the lead on 61 minutes.

Brooklyn Borg finished off a fine attacking move from the left with a low shot which struck the foot of the post before rebounding onto Balzan captain Samir Arab and ending up in the net.

Balzan increased the pressure as they looked for a response. Mentz saw a powerful free-kick turned behind by Djalo in the 74th minute, while his header from Saldanha’s resulting corner went over the bar.

The equaliser finally arrived eight minutes from time.

Balzan were awarded a penalty after Saldanha brought down Awosanya inside the area, and Awosanya stepped up to beat Colombo from the spot and make it 1-1.

Balzan then completed their comeback four minutes later.

Following another FVS review, the referee awarded a second penalty after initially failing to spot a handball by Gabriel Bohrer Mentz.

Awosanya once again took responsibility and converted from the penalty spot to put Balzan 2-1 ahead.

Gżira were unable to respond in the closing minutes, leaving Balzan to celebrate a dramatic comeback victory and three valuable points.