The Undisputed History Makers of Maltese Football
Ħamrun Spartans Make History with UEFA Conference League Qualification
Ħamrun Spartans have officially written a new chapter in Maltese football history. On Thursday evening in Riga, the Spartans secured a 2-2 draw against Latvian champions RFS, advancing 3-2 on aggregate and becoming the first-ever Maltese club to reach the League Phase of a UEFA club competition.
Match Recap – RFS 2–2 Ħamrun Spartans (2–3 agg.)
The Spartans entered the second leg with a 1-0 lead from the first leg at home. They started strongly in Riga, taking the lead on the night through Saliou Thioune after just 12 minutes. His clinical finish gave Ħamrun a two-goal aggregate cushion.
However, RFS responded quickly. A foul inside the box led to a penalty, which was converted by Stefan Panić in the 17th minute, bringing the match level at 1-1. The remainder of the half was intense, with both sides trading chances and Ħamrun defending with discipline and grit.
In the second half, Ħamrun regained the lead thanks to a powerful header by Vincenzo Polito, who connected with a pinpoint cross from Joseph Mbong. Polito’s goal reasserted the Spartans’ control in the tie and proved decisive. RFS pulled another goal back through Darko Lemajić in the 87th minute, but the Spartans held firm to see out the result.
A Milestone for Maltese Football
This result represents an unprecedented moment for Ħamrun Spartans and for Maltese football. Never before had a club from Malta reached the group stages of a UEFA competition. The team’s journey has included knockout victories over established European sides and a display of resilience, tactical awareness, and ambition throughout the qualifying campaign.
Coach Giacomo Modica’s strategic approach — including tactical reshuffles and his focus on physical preparation and mental fortitude — has been central to the club’s success. His decisions on the night, including the redeployment of Ognjen Bjelicic and trusting Vincenzo Polito in key moments, proved crucial.
Polito’s Pivotal Contribution
New signing Vincenzo Polito described his decisive goal as “the fulfilment of a dream.” Having only joined the Spartans this summer, the Italian defender played a vital role in stabilising the defence and rising to the occasion when it mattered most. His headed goal in the second half not only changed the momentum of the match but cemented Ħamrun’s place in European football history.
A New Era Begins
With this qualification, Ħamrun Spartans have achieved what many in Maltese football once thought impossible. Beyond just a club achievement, this milestone is expected to raise the standard across the Maltese Premier League, increase exposure, and attract better resources and talent to the local game.
The club’s leadership, including CEO Marcel Bonnici and president Joseph Portelli, have long championed the vision of transforming Ħamrun into a European competitor. Today, that vision has been realised.
