Malta round-up: Draw enough for Sliema
Monday, April 29, 2002
Article summary
A 0-0 draw at Birkirkara FC was enough for Sliema Wanderers FC to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
Article body
Sliema Wanderers FC secured a place in next season's UEFA Cup after tonight's 0-0 Maltese Premier League draw with Birkirkara FC at the National Stadium.
Eyeing Europe
The draw ensures Sliema a second-place finish behind Hibernians FC, while Birkirkara are now three points ahead of fourth-placed Valletta and are well positioned to qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Birkirkara harbour ambitions of joining Sliema in the UEFA Cup, however, and will do so if they fend off the challenge of the capital club and either of the top two win the Maltese Trophy.
Early chance
Sliema had the better of the early exchanges and nearly went ahead seven minutes in when Danilo Doncic's header was cleared off the line. As the half wore on the home side upped the tempo and a Sunday Eboh header flew just over the bar. Birkirkara went close again just after the interval but Murphy Akanji was equal to Michael Galea's strike.
In-form Savic
Home goalkeeper Robert Savic was the busiest man of the second half, brilliantly denying Doncic twice and stopping a late long-range shot from substitute Massimo Grima.
