Category: News

Hibernians F.C. Annual General Meeting 2025

The Annual General Meeting of Hibernians FC will be held on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 at 7:00pm at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, with the following agenda:

 

1.Reading of the minutes

2.Administrative report

3.Address by the President

4.Election of committee members for the 2025/26 season

5.Amendments to the Statute

6.Any other matters

 

Nominations for committee members, as well as proposed amendments to the Statute, are to be submitted to the Secretary by Friday, 6th June 2025 at noon via email at hiberniansfc@mfa.com.mt.

 

An election will be held for the committee members if the number of nominations exceeds that required by the Statute.

 

Nomination form:

https://jmp.sh/2y0ThM3d

 

Hibernians lift 11th FA Trophy with 2-1 triumph over Birkirkara

Hibernians ended their season in style by clinching their 11th Meridianbet FA Trophy title with a 2-1 victory over a ten-man Birkirkara side in a dramatic final. The Paolites also secured qualification for the UEFA Conference League, joining Birkirkara and third-placed Floriana.

 

For Birkirkara, it was heartbreak once again, having suffered a second final defeat in a week—this time following their narrow loss to Ħamrun Spartans in the 360Sports Malta Premier Championship final.

 

Hibernians dominated the early proceedings, and their task was made easier when Birkirkara were reduced to ten men just 13 minutes in. Alessandro Coppola was shown a straight red card for bringing down Miullen as the Brazilian forward raced toward goal. From the ensuing free kick, Apostolos Martinis fired Hibs into the lead with a fine strike past Giacomo Volpe.

 

Despite the setback, Birkirkara grew into the game and posed several threats before halftime. Lucas Villela went close for Hibernians, while Donovan Makoma and Nicholas Agius tested goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez on the other end. Just before the break, Leandro Lacunza narrowly missed connecting with a low cross by Alex Satariano.

 

After the interval, both sides had chances, with Sanchez pulling off a brilliant save from Pablo Gaitan, and Villela going close again for Hibernians. Birkirkara eventually equalised in the 72nd minute, as Maxuell Maia curled in a superb free kick after Satariano was fouled on the edge of the area.

 

But ten minutes later, the Paolites restored their lead. Martinis delivered a precise corner from the right, and Kurt Shaw rose highest to head home the winner. Hibs nearly added a third late on through Villela and Alex Bruno, but Volpe kept the scoreline respectable.

 

With the final whistle, Hibernians celebrated a hard-fought and historic victory, capping off their season with silverware and European football next season.

 

📸 Dominic Aquilina

 

Hibernians end Hamrun Spartans’ treble hopes with decisive semi-final win

Hibernians dashed Hamrun Spartans’ hopes of completing a historic treble with a clinical display that earned them a 2-1 win and a place in Sunday’s FA Trophy final. The Paolites struck twice in the first half and withstood intense second-half pressure to secure a memorable victory that keeps their European ambitions alive.

 

Hamrun started strongly and almost took the lead in the eighth minute when Joseph Mbong’s lob struck the crossbar, with Hibernians goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez beaten. The game then settled into a quiet rhythm, with few clear chances, until the 31st minute when Bjorn Kristensen unleashed a powerful volley that Henry Bonello could only parry into the path of Jurgen Degabriele, who tapped in the opener.

 

The Spartans looked rattled and were further punished four minutes before the break when Miullen was brought down in the area by Mbong. Lucas Villela stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to double Hibs’ advantage.

 

After the restart, Hamrun made changes with Sven Xerri replacing Talison and Mbong moving into a more attacking role. Hibs nearly added a third when Silas played in Villela, but Bonello made a crucial save. Hamrun responded on 55 minutes as Prsa released Jonny Lopes Silva, who rounded Sanchez but missed the target. Moments later, Lopes Silva turned provider, setting up Mbong who slotted past Sanchez to pull one back.

 

Bonello continued to impress, denying Degabriele and later saving a powerful Villela shot, while Hamrun’s Prsa missed a good chance with a header. The Spartans’ hopes were further dented when Bjelicic was shown a red card for violent conduct just before the final whistle.

 

As the referee brought the game to an end, Hibernians celebrated a hard-fought win that keeps them on track for both silverware and a spot in the UEFA Conference League.

 

Zabbar St. Patrick and Hibernians share the points in entertaining 2-2 draw

Zabbar St. Patrick and Hibernians concluded their 360Sports Malta Premier Closing Round Bottom 6 campaign with a 2-2 draw at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Thursday.

 

The Saints opened the scoring after 12 minutes, with Brian Gambarte finishing from the right following a well-placed assist by David Oliveira. Zabbar doubled their lead eight minutes before the break when Hibs goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez lost possession under pressure from Gambarte, allowing Stefan Ilic to calmly slot the ball into an empty net.

 

Hibernians pulled one back through Lucas Villela, whose shot from the edge of the box was deflected by Zabbar goalkeeper Lukas Djodj onto the post and in.

 

With twelve minutes remaining, the Paolites found the equaliser when Silas Hamanojda’s cross-cum-shot from the right flew into the top left corner, following a pass from Bjorn Kristensen.

 

Balzan grab late equaliser to hold Hibernians in 1-1 draw

Balzan scored a crucial late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against Hibernians in the Bottom Six. The result sees Balzan draw level on points with Naxxar Lions, although Naxxar still have a game in hand as the two sides battle to avoid automatic relegation to the Challenge League.

 

Hibernians, meanwhile, have secured their place in next season’s Malta Premier League, but the Paolites have now gone three matches without a win. They enjoyed a dream start when they were awarded a penalty after five minutes, with Samir Arab pulling down Jurgen Degabriele inside the area. Lucas Villela stepped up to calmly convert from the spot.

 

Balzan came close to equalising on 31 minutes when Awosanya Dimeji’s rising shot from the left crashed against the crossbar. Just before half-time, Nicholas Pulis fired over from a Jan Busuttil corner.

 

After the break, Balzan pushed forward in search of a leveller. Rafael Floro delivered a dangerous cross on 51 minutes but found no takers. The match then saw a quick exchange of red cards, with Hibernians’ Kevin Fraga sent off for a second booking on the hour mark, before Balzan captain Samir Arab was also dismissed seconds later.

 

Balzan continued to apply pressure, with Busuttil shooting wide from distance on 68 minutes, followed by a powerful but off-target drive from Luka Lukovic two minutes later. Pablo Sanchez kept Hibernians in the lead with a fine save on a cross-shot from Victor Blasco, while a Floro free kick sailed over.

 

Marko Bacanin’s header from a Pulis cross was saved on 79 minutes. Two minutes from time, Balzan had a golden opportunity when awarded a penalty, but Blasco’s spot-kick was saved by Sanchez. Nevertheless, a minute later, Balzan found the breakthrough when Pulis set up Elvis Kamsoba, who rifled a shot into the top right corner to secure a point.

 

Hibernians F.C. holds Extraordinary General Meeting: Financial report approved by Club Members

On Monday, 14th April, Hibernians F.C. held an Extraordinary General Meeting (Laqgħa Ġenerali Straordinarja) at the club’s premises in Paola, where members gathered to review and approve the club’s financial report.

 

The meeting, open exclusively to registered members, provided a transparent overview of the club’s financial health and performance over the past year. During the session, the club’s officials presented the detailed financial statements, including revenue streams, expenditures, and investments. The presentation also included commentary on the club’s fiscal strategies and plans for long-term sustainability.

 

Members were given the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications regarding the report before proceeding to a vote. Following the discussion, the financial report was officially approved by the attending members, signaling a collective endorsement of the club’s financial management and direction.

 

Club representatives expressed their gratitude to the members for their continued support and emphasized the importance of maintaining financial transparency. They also highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to achieving sporting success while ensuring responsible financial governance.

 

The approval of the financial report marks an important step in preparing the club for the upcoming season, both on and off the pitch.

 

For more detailed information, you can view the full financial report by clicking this link: Hibernians Financial Report

Gzira claim late win after comeback against Hibernians

At the National Stadium, Hibernians made a strong start as Jurgen Degabriele opened the scoring after 12 minutes, latching onto a through ball and calmly placing it past goalkeeper Giulio Mangano.

 

However, Gzira gradually grew into the game and found their rhythm in the second half. They equalised in the 77th minute when a cross from Andy Borg deflected into the path of Luis Riascos, who fired a powerful shot into the top corner.

 

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Gzira found the winner. Thaylor Aldama got on the end of a free-kick delivery from Jefferson Tulimieri, and Gabriel Mentz was well positioned to tap the ball in from close range, sparking celebrations among the Gzira supporters.

 

Naxxar Lions edge Hibernians to return to winning ways

Naxxar Lions bounced back from their defeat to Żabbar St. Patrick last week by securing a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Hibernians, collecting three crucial points in the process.

 

The win lifts Naxxar two points clear of Balzan and three ahead of Melita, although both those sides have a game in hand as they are set to face each other on Sunday.

 

Despite Hibernians creating several scoring opportunities throughout the match, Naxxar defended resolutely to keep them at bay.

 

Branko Nisevic made three changes to the Hibernians side that beat Melita, reinstating Hugo Sacco in goal while replacing Lucas Villela and Federico Falcone with Jurgen Degabriele and Miullen Carvalho. For Naxxar, Ryan Gilmour Cassar and Takuma Yamaguchi started the match, while Bacary Sane and Edson Farias were named among the substitutes.

 

Naxxar had the first real threat when Yamaguchi tried his luck from the edge of the area after being set up by Maicon, but his effort was comfortably saved by Sacco. In the 12th minute, Hibernians’ Helder Correia nearly turned the ball into his own net in an attempt to intercept Khevin Fraga, with his shot from distance drifting just wide.

 

Five minutes later, Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono left his line to halt a surging run by Carvalho. Apostolos Martinis collected the loose ball and attempted a lob that looked destined to score, but Fernando Barbosa made a crucial goal-line clearance.

 

Dexter Xuereb then fired narrowly wide after combining well with Martinis and Kristensen, while Maicon tested Sacco with a dangerous cross-shot in the 27th minute.

 

Naxxar found the breakthrough seven minutes later when Martinis handled the ball following a cross by Maicon. Referee Trustin Farrugia Cann pointed to the spot, and Ryan Gilmour Cassar calmly converted the penalty to give Naxxar the lead.

 

In first-half stoppage time, Jurgen Degabriele pounced on a short clearance but sent his shot high from inside the box.

 

Hibernians came out pressing after the break, with Pedro Henrique heading just wide from a Xuereb corner in the 49th minute. Fraga then saw a powerful free kick from just outside the area parried by Debono.

 

Another promising move between Xuereb and Carvalho resulted in Degabriele shooting wide again, and moments later, Degabriele was unfortunate to see a well-struck effort from the edge of the box miss the target by inches.

 

Naxxar nearly doubled their lead on 71 minutes through a swift counterattack, as Edward Bolanos surged down the left and unleashed a diagonal shot that narrowly missed the far post.

 

Debono again came to Naxxar’s rescue, tipping over a Degabriele strike, before Henrique headed over from the ensuing corner. At the other end, Nikolai Micallef sent Hugo Santos through on goal, but Santos fired over with only the keeper to beat.

 

In the closing stages, Maicon tried his luck from long range, but Sacco collected the shot without much difficulty, as Naxxar held on to claim a valuable win.

 

Hibernians cruise past Melita in commanding victory

Hibernians opened their Bottom Six campaign with a commanding performance, brushing aside Melita in a display that emphasized their superiority and intent to comfortably navigate this stage of the league.

 

The Paolites, clearly operating on a different level than their lower-table counterparts, now lead the Bottom Six standings with 20 points. With their depth and quality, Hibernians appear poised for a routine run-in, far removed from any relegation worries.

 

Melita, on the other hand, continue to face mounting pressure. Still second from bottom with just 10 points, they urgently need results to avoid slipping into the relegation zone and secure their spot in the top tier next season.

 

Hibernians wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead within minutes of kickoff. Dexter Xuereb sent in a precise cross that Khevin Fraga met with a clinical finish to give the Paolites an early edge.

 

Branko Nisevic’s men kept control throughout the first half, dictating possession and tempo. Melita attempted to find a way back through quick transitions but struggled to penetrate Hibernians’ disciplined defense.

 

Midway through the opening half, Hibernians doubled their lead with a well-crafted move. Lucas Villela slipped a clever ball into the box for Alex Bruno, who finished from close range to solidify their grip on the match.

 

The Paolites continued to threaten, nearly scoring a third from a corner, only for Melita keeper Gosef Mizzi to make a crucial intervention.

 

Melita’s first real attempt came just before halftime, as Andre Costa fired from distance, but his shot lacked the accuracy to trouble Hibernians goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez. The Paolites entered the break with a deserved two-goal advantage.

 

After the restart, Melita looked to respond, with Camilo Andres testing Sanchez, but the Hibernians shot-stopper was equal to the challenge.

 

Soon after, Hibernians added a third in a swift counterattack. Villela capitalized on a loose ball and struck a low shot that hit the post and bounced off Mizzi into the net – a fortunate moment that capped a dominant outing.

 

Melita’s frustrations grew as Jean Pierre Attard forced another fine save from Sanchez, who remained unbeaten throughout.

 

Late in the game, substitute Jurgen Degabriele nearly added a fourth, but after his first effort was blocked, he dragged the rebound wide.

 

In the end, Hibernians cruised to an emphatic win, sending a clear message that they intend to breeze through the Bottom Six phase.

 

Kristensen secures late equaliser as Hibs hold Floriana to a draw

Floriana and Hibernians played out a fiercely contested 1-1 draw at the Gozo Stadium, a result that left both teams with mixed emotions.

 

Floriana were eager to claim all three points to leapfrog Birkirkara at the top of the standings, while Hibernians needed a victory to secure a place in the Top Six. The draw meant Hibernians, sitting in third place with 17 points, now face an anxious wait to see if they have done enough, while Floriana moved level with Birkirkara on 19 points, though their rivals have a game in hand.

 

The match began with a bang as Franklin Sasere put Floriana ahead in just the eighth minute. The Nigerian striker capitalized on a precise long pass from Alexandro Kouros, muscled past his marker, and slotted the ball beyond Hibernians’ goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez.

 

Hibernians looked to hit back quickly, and in the 14th minute, Lucas Villela came close when his downward header from a corner was well saved by Mafoumbi.

 

Floriana thought they had doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Carlo Zammit Lonardelli found the net with a stunning acrobatic effort, but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, ruling out the goal.

 

Hibernians kept pushing and nearly equalized before halftime when Miullen unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, only for the ball to narrowly miss the target.

 

The second half continued with intense action, and Hibernians nearly restored parity in the 51st minute when Villela’s shot flashed just wide of the post. Bjorn Kristensen also tested Mafoumbi from the edge of the area in the 58th minute, but the Floriana goalkeeper was equal to the effort.

 

Hibernians’ persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute. Substitute Aidan Martinis delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Bjorn Kristensen capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire home the equalizer.

 

Floriana had a golden opportunity to regain their lead in the 83rd minute when Zammit Lonardelli set up Sasere in space, but the striker blazed his effort over the bar. The Nigerian forward had another glorious chance at the death but failed to make contact with the ball in front of an open goal, leaving the match locked at 1-1.

 

The result ensures an exciting end to the league phase, with Hibernians now left to wait and see if their 17-point tally will be enough to secure a Top Six finish, while Floriana’s fate at the top remains uncertain as Birkirkara still have a game in hand.