Hibernians opened their league campaign with a 2-0 victory over Sliema Wanderers at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, scoring once in each half to secure their first three points of the season.

Boris Druga gave the Paolites the lead after 28 minutes before Fabian Jankovic doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute.

Sliema started with greater purpose and had an excellent opportunity to take an early lead, but failed to convert a penalty after just four minutes. Hibernians gradually settled into the match and grew in confidence before taking control after the interval.

New Hibernians coach Tugberk Tanrivermis handed debuts to nine players in his starting line-up, with Matteo Cardinali, Moritz Romling, Fabian Jankovic, Joseph Mbong, Jamie Wahling, Olivier N’Zi, Ryder Matos, Leandro Lacunza and Druga all starting. Joy Slayd Mickels was introduced during the second half.

Sliema coach Branko Nisevic also named several new recruits in his starting eleven, including Henry Bonello, Diego Camara, Matteo Lorenzi, Teddy Teuma, Brian Gambarte, Nikolaos Karelis and Vlatko Drobarov. Alex Satariano, Wale Musa Alli and Nigel Robertha began on the bench.

The Wanderers made a bright start and could have taken the lead after only two minutes. Anthony Limbombe found Teuma on the left, but his effort was blocked by Cardinali.

Moments later, Sliema were awarded a penalty after Lacunza brought Limbombe down inside the area. Teuma stepped up from the spot but sent his effort high over the crossbar.

Sliema continued to press and Karelis headed just wide from a Teuma free kick on 17 minutes.

Hibernians responded seven minutes later when Matos headed just wide following a corner from Romling.

The Paolites took the lead on 28 minutes. Bjorn Kristensen delivered a cross from the right and Matos laid the ball off for Druga, who made no mistake with his finish past Bonello.

Sliema attempted to respond immediately, with Limbombe completing a good run down the left before sending his shot narrowly over the bar.

Three minutes before half-time, Teuma’s free kick was blocked by Cardinali. At the other end, Matos crossed from the left and Wahling’s powerful effort was blocked by a Sliema defender.

Wahling then sent Matos through, but the Hibernians forward was unable to finish from close range after being challenged from behind by Diego Camara.

Hibernians began the second half on the front foot, with Druga shooting high from inside the area after a good move on the left.

Sliema introduced Satariano and he came close to an equaliser on 66 minutes when his shot from the left struck the foot of the upright.

Hibernians remained dangerous and N’Zi headed over from a Jankovic corner on 71 minutes.

The Paolites doubled their advantage two minutes later. Substitute Mickels provided the assist from the right and Jankovic finished first time to beat Bonello and make it 2-0.

Sliema continued to search for a way back into the match. On 81 minutes, Satariano created an opening for Wale Musa Alli, but Cardinali produced a fine save to keep out his effort.

The Wanderers had one final opportunity in added time when Wahling inadvertently deflected the ball towards his own goalkeeper following a Steve Pisani free kick. Cardinali reacted quickly to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Hibernians ultimately deserved their victory after a composed second-half display, while Sliema were left to reflect on the missed early penalty and a number of chances which could have changed the course of the match.