After beating Birkirkara 2 – 1, Balzan finished the season in fourth place on 46 points, joint-level with Hibernians and Mosta who also won their final league encounters, keeping their hopes alive of qualifying for next season’s Europa Conference League.
Balzan, Hibernians and Mosta are still in contention for a spot to represent Malta in the UEFA Conference League. While Mosta can access Europe if they win the FA Trophy, Balzan and Hibernians can access Europe through the fourth place only if Birkirkara or Gzira U win the FA Trophy.
In the 6th minute, Birkirkara came close to take the lead when Yannick Yankam served Enzo Daniel Cabreba by but he fired his close-range effort over the bar.
A minute later, Balzan replied through Matheus Nogureira Albuguerque de Sousa who failed to capitalise on Alexander Satariano’s low cross from inside the small area.
In the 11th minute Balzan took the lead. Matheus Nogureira Albuguerque de Sousa was floored by Birkirkara’s goalkeeper Giacomo Nava and the referee awarded a penalty. ALEKSA ANREJIC made no mistake in converting from the penalty spot.
Birkirkara reacted immediately but Denis Ribeiro failed to make the most from a cross by Kevin Tulimieri.
In the 29th minute, Giacomo Nava blocked a curling effort of Aleksa Andrejic.
On the half hour, Balzan were unlucky not to open the score as a cross shot by Alexander Satariano was denied by the crossbar.
In the 34th minute Birkirkara levelled matters, when ENZO DANIEL CABRERA met a well-weighted corner taken by Matteo Fedele and headed the ball to beat goalkeeper Rudy Briffa to the far post.
A minute after Alexander Satariano tried to restore Balzan’s lead but he could not hit the target from long distance.
Balzan could not have a better start in the second half as they took the lead for the second time. Following a foul at the edge of the area on Paul Fenech, the resulting free-kick taken by Delvin Chanel Ndinga hit the barrier with the rebound falling to MATTHEUS NOGUREIRA ALBUGUERQUE DE SOUSA who, from inside the penalty area, fired a fierce shot past Giacomo Nava.
In the 70th minute, Enzo Daniel Cabrera tried to equalise for Birkirkara with a header from close range but could not beat goalkeeper Rudy Briffa.
Balzan continued attacking with goalkeeper Amara Sylla saving all efforts.
Finally Balzan took home the three points they were looking for.
BALZAN: Rudy Briffa, Ivan Bozovic, Samir Arab, Paul Fenech, Angel Yesid Torres Quinones, Delvin Chanel Ndinga, Alexander Satariano, Nikola Braunovic, Momcilo Raso, Matheus Nogureira Alduguerque de Sousa (Marcus Grima 79’), Aleksa Andrejic (Bojan Kaljevic 79’).
BIRKIRKARA: Giacomo Nava (Amara Sylla 59’’), Enrico Pepe, Yannick Yankam, Paul Mbong, Kurt Zammit, Matteo Fedele (Andrei Ciolaciu 63’), Cain Attard, Enzo Daniel Cabrera, Simon Zibo, Denis Custodio Ribeiro (Alex de Paixao Alves 63’), Kevin Tulimieri (Osvaldo Iorio 60’).
Referee: Glen Tonna.
BOV player of the game: Enzo Daniel Cabrera (Birkirkara)