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