Sliema Wanderers lost 2-1 against Hibs in their first encounter of the Championship Pool. The Blues gave a good account of themselves as they dominated for large parts of the game and had Hibs operating on swift counter attacks. However, 2 first half goals proved crucial for Hibs who were happy to defend after this.

Clayton Failla scored directly from a corner and caught Henry Bonello off guard. Minutes later, following a dubious decision in which Emiliano Lattes was pushed to the ground and to the frustration of coach Danilo Doncic for not having been rewarded a freekick, Hibs scored their second goal when after breaking through on the right hand side, Edward Herrera gave Edison Santos a pinpoint cross for the Brazilian to put his header past Henry Bonello.

The Blues reacted and just before halftime could have snatched a goal back. Dani Mitev flicked the ball to Lattes who from a good position in front of the hibs goal, put his shot wide. Danilo Doncic decided to rope in Cleavon Frendo in place of Steve Bezzina towards the end of the first half.

During the second half, there was the worrying sign of Alex Muscat having to go off due to injury. Sliema’s captain left the field limping and was replaced by Clifford Gatt Baldacchino with Beppe Muscat switching to the left back position.

The Wanderers continued to press for the important goal and in the 83rd minute, a rebound off a Mitev freeckick fell to Cleavon Frendo who put the ball into the roof of the net to give a lifeline to the Blues. However this proved too late, as Hibs managed to hold on to their lead. Dani Mitev also went close at the end putting a shot from outside the box wide.

Blues Man of the Match: Ryan Fenech

Sliema Wanderers: Bonello, A Muscat(Gatt Baldacchino), B Muscat, Mifsud, Bezzina(Frendo), Galabov, Grech, Bogdanovic(Eyenga), Fenech, Mitev, Lattes