Controversial penalty denies magnificent Stripes

by Ayrton Galea - 15th April 2013

A controversial penalty two minutes on time ordered by the referee Marco Borg brought harsh and deserved protests by the Birkirkara fans as the Stripes felt that they were cheated out of a priceless two points as the match between Birkirkara and Hibernians ended all even.

The dismissal of Alejandro Mendoza just after ten minutes in the match turned the match into an uphill struggle for the Stripes and one would have thought that the Paolites will take total control. However, this was not the case as the Stripes showed great character and resilience not to give up.

After holding strong against, Hibernians who would be satisfied only with a win, the Stripes did the unexpected when they surged ahead on the 90th minute thanks to substitute Shodiya. However, the joy was short lived due to a controversial penalty ordered by Marco Borg which Hibernians' Failla converted.

With this draw, Birkirkara are still the sole leaders of the BOV Premier League with two points over Hibernians, and five over Valletta, with the latter narrowing the gap after they defeated Sliema Wanderers on Saturday.

As one could expect, a big crowd especially, from Birkirkara flooded the National Stadium and yellow-red filled the enclosure, with Hibernians also making their point on the stands.

The Birkirkara Ultras made a magnificent job as they prepared an empathic choreography involving yellow and red sheets, flags and other material, which coloured the Birkirkara enclosure side in a spectacular way. However the Ultras' best job in the match was their total vocal support which they proved that they are really the twelfth player on the pitch.

On the other hand, the Hibernians supporters led by their Paola Boys Hibs Ultras also made their utmost effort for this match as their big flags, paper rolls and smoke bombs also created a good atmosphere in their side.

Birkirkara were boosted by the return of Gareth Sciberras while Rowen Muscat also managed to make it on time. However Shola Shodiya was not in his best physical condition. Mr. Zammit who kept faith in his 3-5-2 formation made three changes in his first-eleven selection as Rodrigo Pereira, Gareth Sciberras and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza replaced Zach Muscat, Ryan Scicluna and Shola Shodiya respectively.

On the other hand, Hibernians had Mario Muscat and Jean Paul Farrugia making their return following a one match suspension but they had Allan Dos Santos Kerdeck not in the best condition.

The First Half

Encouraged by their numerous supporters and boosted by their second point advantage, Birkirkara went out on a firing note and they went close after just two minutes.

Jhonnattann served Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and the prolific striker quickly tested Mario Muscat but his diagonal shot was pushed away by the former National goalkeeper.

On the other hand, Hibernians were quick to reply as Andrew Cohen's swerving free-kick was pushed away by goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Birkirkara's starting optimism received a major setback after just eleven minutes when they end-up playing with one player less.

Hibernians' Edison Luis Dos Santos, or as he is as known, ‘Tarabai' made the best out of an erratic pass and he won possession in Birkirkara's half with Alejandro Mendoza's only option being to floor the Brazilian striker. Referee Marco Borg showed a straight red card for the Spanish defender, to the disappointment evident from the Birkirkara's clan following this early setback.

From the resulting free-kick from a dangerous position, Cohen's direct powerful effort was punche into safety by Justin Haber.

With Hibernians keeping in mind that they were playing with a player more, the Paolites tried the best out of their numerical advantage as they pressed forward in order to put the Stripes under pressure and to surge ahead.

On the 16th minute, Tarabai had an angled shot well saved by Justin Haber and just a minute later the Brazilian striker tested Haber once again, with the National goalkeeper blocking his attempt before Rodrigo Pereira cleared into safety.

Birkirkara despite having a player sent off seemed to be resisting Hibernians' attacks in a comfortable manner and as time went on the Stripes were gaining confidence as they threatened to surge ahead.

Just after the half-hour, Edward Herrera performed a fast run down the right wing before his first-post cross was met a powerful high-volley by Jhonnattann which scratched past the post.

Hibernians were quick to restore their attacking formula as Clayton Failla fired a ferocious free-kick which saw Justin Haber confirming his goalkeeping skills with a great save.

Ten minutes from half time, Mario Muscat had to make his best to punch into safety a direct free-kick on-goal by Jhonnattann before defender Nikola Vukanac could head the ball.

Just before half-time, the Birkirkara supporters who were still feeling frustrated for the sending off of Alejandro Mendoza shouted for the sending off of Marcelo Dias who was already booked by the referee after committing another foul. However, Referee Marco Borg did not book Dias.

The first half ended in a goal-less draw with the Stripes impressing with their resilient character in order not to give up.

The Second Half

Hibernians with 11 and Birkirkara with 10 players on the field, both coaches took the opportunity to make their first substitution.

Mr. Paul Zammit sacrificed Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza as he included Ryan Scicluna to strengthen his midfield department for a 3-5-1 formation while Mr. Michael Woods, the Hibernians Head Coach included Jackson Lima off Marcelo Dias who once again seemed to being losing his temper.

Jackson Lima quickly left his mark as just one minute in the second half he advanced before unleashing a powerful shot which ended wide on Haber left's post.

Lima was in action once again on the 49 minutes when following a short clearance, his ferocious shot from outside the box ended over.

Birkirkara also threatened for the opening goal as first-post corner by Jhonnattann, Nikola Vukanac's attempt scratched the post.

However, Hibernians kept on pushing forward thanks to their numerical advantage although the Stripes were defending in style.

Close to the hour-mark, Hibernians lost a great opportunity. Jean Paul Farrugia made some fine movement on the right wing, before cutting in the box but his attempt was blocked by Haber. From the rebound, Tarabai's shot ended over from an ideal position to the frustration of the Hibernians supporters.

With the score still goal-less and with Hibernians failing to penetrate the Stripes' solid defence, Mr. Michael Woods decided to introduce yet another striker as he included Obinna Obiefule off Zoran Levnajic.

On the 67 minutes, Mr. Zammit utilised his second substitution as he included Shola Shodiya off the hard-working Jhonnattann with the aim to keep the Hibernians' defence under pressure.

Obinna's inclusion did make an impact on the match but certainly not as one expected as Birkirkara kept strong, defending with maximum concentration and at some times, even in a comfortable way.

On the 78 minutes, Adrian Pulis replaced Jean Paul Farrugia for Hibernians with Clayton Failla given an advanced role on the wing, with Michael Woods insisting to penetrate from the wings. Mr. Zammit's reply just four minutes later came by including Ryan Scicluna off Rowen Muscat.

In the second twist of the match, Hibernians ended playing also with 10-men on the 88th minute. Following a fast break-away, Paul Fenech advanced with the ball before he was scythed down by Rodolfo Soares. Referee Marco Borg sent off the defender for a double booking.

On the 90th minute mark, Birkirkara did the unexpected. Following another break-away, Shola Shodiya served Rowen Muscat who passed to Paul Fenech who unleashed a powerful shot which was blocked by Muscat. Off the rebound, Shola Shodiya fired home.

The Birkirkara supporters erupted with joy. They were feeling that victory was near, and the Championship was nearer than ever.

However, their joy was short-lived due to a controversial decision by Marco Borg just two minutes later. Nikola Vukanac was adjudicated to have pushed Obinna in the box, and the referee ordered a penalty. Clayton Failla converted for a dramatic equaliser.

The harsh protests by the Birkirkara supporters continued just one minute later when Marco Borg sent off Paul Fenech, in another controversial move.

Despite being frustrated, disappointed and sad by how the Stripes were denied from the three precious points, the full-time whistle found the Birkirkara supporters giving a definitely deserved standing ovation for all their players for their magnificent and resilient performance.

Justin Haber, who had an outstanding performance, was voted as the BOV player of the match.

BIRKIRKARA: Justin Haber, Rodrigo Pereira, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza,Joseph Zerafa, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat (82' Zach Muscat), Edward Herrera, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (45' Ryan Scicluna), Jhonnattann Benites (64' Shola Shodiya).

HIBERNIANS: Mario Muscat, Zoran Levnijac (60' Obinna Obiefule), Ryan Camilleri, Jonathan Pearson, Rodolfo Soares, Clayton Failla, Bjorn Kristensen, Andrew Cohen, Marcelo Dias (45' Jackson Lima), Jean Paul Farrugia (78' Adrian Pulis), Edison Luis Dos Santos.

Scorers: 90' Shola Shodiya (Birkirkara), 90+2' Clayton Failla (Hibernians)

Yellow Cards: 13' Paul Fenech, 43' Rowen Muscat, 72' Rodrigo Pereira, 90' Gareth Sciberras (Birkirkara), 5' Rodolfo Soares, 41' Marcelo Dias, 76' Jean Paul Farrugia, 83' Obinna Obiefule, 90+' Mario Muscat (Hibernians).

Red Cards: 11' Alejandro Mendoza, 90+' Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), 88' Rodolfo Soares (Hibernians).

Man of the match: Justin Haber (Birkirkara)

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