Historic Night at Ta’ Qali: Ħamrun Spartans Secure First UEFA League Phase Victory

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 3
El Fanis 65’, Smajlagic 74’, Ćorić 90’

LINCOLN RED IMPS 1
Lopes 59’

Ħamrun Spartans wrote a golden chapter in Maltese football history with a thrilling 3-1 comeback win over Lincoln Red Imps in the UEFA Europa Conference League League Phase – their first-ever victory at this stage in a European competition.

A Game of Grit, Spirit, and History

Trailing 1-0 just before the hour mark, the Spartans had to dig deep after Lincoln’s Bernardo Lopes struck against the run of play. But just three minutes later, Lincoln were reduced to 10 men as Graeme Torrilla received a straight red card for a dangerous foul on Koffi – and that moment shifted the match’s momentum decisively.

Ħamrun responded in the most emphatic way:

• 65’ – Mouad El Fanis, just off the bench, calmly slotted home from a Koffi assist to level the score.

• 74’ – A brilliant move from Compri ended with Semir Smajlagic nodding in the go-ahead goal.

• 90’ – Ante Ćorić, another substitute, sealed the win with a composed low finish after a superb set-up from Smajlagic.

Tactical Mastery and Bold Substitutions

Head coach Giacomo Modica’s strategic substitutions proved decisive. All three goals were scored by players brought on in the second half. Despite Vincenzo Polito being shown a second yellow card in the 78th minute, reducing the Spartans to 10 men, Ħamrun maintained control and composure in the final moments.

Match Statistics & Highlights

• Yellow Cards: Eder, Bjelicic, Koffi, Mandi, Polito, Hankins

• Red Cards: Torrilla (62’ – Lincoln), Polito (78’ – Ħamrun)

Starting XI – Ħamrun Spartans:
Bonello, Compri, Garcia (Cadenovic 72’), Thioune (Smajlagic 46’), Mbong (Ćorić), Polito, Koffi (Xerri 90’), Eder (El Fanis), Bjelicic, Marcelina, Camenzuli

Starting XI – Lincoln Red Imps:
Hankins, Rutjens, Lopes (El Ghobashy 90’), Mandi (Arguez 82’), Kike (Pozo 66’), De Barr, Toni, Nano, Torrilla, Kolega, Dabo (Munoz 82’)

A Night to Remember for Maltese Football

This result not only secured three crucial points for Ħamrun Spartans in Group B but also marked a milestone for all Maltese clubs on the European stage – a testament to the team’s growth, ambition, and fighting spirit.

As captain Henry Bonello and his teammates celebrated at the final whistle, so did all Maltese football fans – proud of a team that continues to make history and break new ground.