Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Sliema Wanderers beat Birkirkara 3-2 in a five-goal pre-season friendly at the Charles Abela Ground. Sasere scored for Birkirkara, Prsa levelled for Sliema.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Birkirkara started brightly and took a deserved lead when Sasere found the net — his third goal in two pre-season outings. The Nigerian striker was a constant threat in the opening half-hour.
Sliema equalised through Prsa in the 64th minute, the Croatian midfielder producing a composed finish to level the scores. The match remained 1-1 at half-time.
After the break, Sliema Wanderers took control. According to social media coverage from 360Sports Malta Premier, Sliema's three goals all originated from corner set pieces. The Blues added two more goals in the second half to build a 3-1 lead before Birkirkara pulled one back late on, but the Stripes could not find an equaliser.
The Turning Point
Sliema's second-half surge proved decisive. The Wanderers' set-piece organisation gave them the edge, with all three of their goals from corner routines exposing Birkirkara's vulnerability defending dead-ball situations.
Key Performers
Franklin Sasere (Birkirkara) — The striker scored for the second consecutive friendly, building on his brace against Zabbar St. Patrick on 18 July.
Roko Prsa (Sliema Wanderers) — The Croatian midfielder scored the crucial equaliser in the 64th minute, sparking Sliema's revival.
By the Numbers
The match saw five goals scored. Both teams scored — a pattern seen in 48% of the 25 previous competitive meetings between these clubs. Head-to-head, Sliema Wanderers now lead 11 wins to Birkirkara's 7 in 25 meetings (7 draws), and are unbeaten in the last four encounters.
What It Means
This was the second match of Sliema Wanderers' pre-season schedule in the Gammari Muscat Cup group stage. Sliema were scheduled to face Marsaxlokk next on 31 July 2026. For Birkirkara, who finished 4th in the 2025/26 Malta Premier League, this was their second pre-season friendly after beating Zabbar St. Patrick 2-1 on 18 July.
Verdict
A productive work-out for both sides. Sliema's set-piece execution and second-half intensity bode well for the new season, while Birkirkara will need to address defensive organisation from dead-ball situations. Sasere's continued scoring form is a positive for the Stripes.
Scorers: Sasere (Birkirkara); Prsa 64' (Sliema Wanderers) — further goalscorers not confirmed in available reports.
Rivalry since 2016
Birkirkara vs Sliema Wanderers Head to Head Results· 25
Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers have met 25 times — Birkirkara won 7, Sliema Wanderers won 11, with 7 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2016. Sliema Wanderers leads the head-to-head with 11 victories from 25 meetings. A combined 50 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (23 for the home side, 27 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 12 matches (48%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 10 games (40%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Sliema Wanderers are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–2 in 2025.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 1 Aug 2026