Ħamrun Spartans Become First Maltese Club to Reach European League Stage

Ħamrun Spartans have achieved what once seemed like mission impossible, becoming the first ever Maltese team to qualify for the group stage of a European competition, reaching the UEFA Conference League proper.

The breakthrough came early, as the Maltese champions struck in the 12th minute through a superb first-time acrobatic finish from star forward Serigne Saliou Thioune.

However, their lead lasted only five minutes, with RFS awarded a penalty after an untimely challenge. Midfielder Stefan Panić calmly converted from the spot to level the score.

The first half closed with Ħamrun regaining control, containing several RFS attacks, as both sides sought to exploit the match’s open nature with their pacey wingers.

In the second half, the Spartans found another crucial goal. In the 67th minute, Joseph Mbong delivered a pinpoint cross, met by Italian defender Vincenzo Polito with a towering header that edged Ħamrun closer to qualification.

The drama wasn’t over, as Latvian champions RFS equalised in the 86th minute through Serbian striker Darko Lemajić, who used his height and strength to rise above the defence and head home.

Despite the late setback, Ħamrun held firm through the final minutes, preserving their aggregate lead and securing their historic place in the UEFA Conference League league stage – where they could face European heavyweights such as Fiorentina, Crystal Palace and Shakhtar Donetsk.

#MaltaDaily