Birkirkara lose Super Cup Final in the dying seconds

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd August 2010

In a highly entertaining match, Birkirkara were beaten by Valletta with a 3-2 score line with the Citizens notching the winner in the injury of the 2nd extra time period thanks to their latest acquisition, Joseph Okonkwo.

For Birkirkara, three midfielders were missing as Andrew Decesare, Alan Tabone and the youngster Rowen Muscat were all ruled out for this match due to several reasons. For the Lilywhites, Edmond Aguis, Steve Bezzina and Kenneth Scicluna were missing.

On the other hand, Emiliano Lattes was making his official debut with the 'Stripes' as he was in the starting eleven. Another youngster made his debut on Saturday too, as Keith Fenech was included as a substitute on the 79th minute.

The match managed to reach a very good level of football as both teams were looking for nothing else than winning the Cup. Birkirkara opened the match as the most aggressive side although the Citizens created several dangerous chances with Esequiel Lovizon in some cases managing to do the impossible.

On the 20th minute, Birkirkara had their first good opportunity as Paul Fenech served Michael Galea who controlled the ball before sending a wonderful through ball to the fast winger, Trevor Cilia. Trevor was in a one versus one situation against Andrew Hogg, but the Citizens goalie managed to rescue in the last moments.

Ten minutes later, The Citizens had a powerful shot blocked by Lovizon as Roderick Briffa served Jamie Pace who went past Angus Buhagiar before he shot a powerful shot which was blocked by the 'Stripes' goalie.

The Lilywhites managed to break the dead lock as a perfect pass by Denni Rocha Dos Santos found Terence Scerri alone against Esequiel Lovizon. Terence lobbed the ball over Esequiel to open the score in favor of the 'Whites'.

The first half ended with a 1-0 score line for the Citizens.

The second half was an entertaining half as the Citizens trying to extend their lead while on the other hand the 'Stripes' doing their best to equalize.

Birkirkara were looking to equalize but it was the 'Stripes' goalie who saved the match for several times as he continually was performing excellent saves.

First it was a perfect pass by Temile which got past the Birkirkara defence and found Scerri who had his cross cleared by Patrick Borg.

On the 70th minute, Esequiel kept Birkirkara in play as first he saved a powerful shot by Jamie Pace from outside the box with Lovizon punching the ball into Briffa's feet who had his shot incredibly saved by the 'Stripes' goalie.

Finally, Birkirkara found the equalizer on the 80th minute when a powerful shot by Michael Galea from outside the box beat Hogg to send the Birkirkara supporters into delightful scenes of chanting and supporting our team with a louder voice.

Alan Mario Sant blows the whistle which meant that the match will have to go to the extra time to decide the winner.

The first half ended with the same score but the second half was the one to decide the game.

First, Valletta scored what what seemed to be the deciding goal when on the 113 minute, Temile's powerful shot from outside the box managed to put the Lilywhites in the lead once again.

Things for the 'Stripes' got worse as Karl Pulo was sent off for the second yellow card.

One minute from time, Trevor Cilia equalized when he fired a volley shot..

Unluckily enough, the joy was short lived as two minutes on time a cross by Roderick Briffa, which Esequiel Lovizon failed to get to the ball before Okonkwo. It was this new Citizens' player who gave the Super Cup to the citizens for the 8th time.

All the players tried their best for this final and thanks to a never say die spirit this augurs another wonderful season for the 'Stripes'.

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