Birkirkara 1 ( G. Pape )
Sliema Wanderers 3 ( Mark Scerri, Ariel Laudisi 2 )

Sliema came from behind to hit three goals past the helpless Birkirkara to secure a victory in the opening match of the Euro Challenge Cup. Yet the game took on an unreal atmosphere after the break when a total of 13 substitutes were sent on.

New Senegalese striker Gueye Pape left his mark on the game when, with 38 minutes gone, he skillfully rounded Stefano Bianciardi before slotting the ball past Zammit.

Just past the hour mark, Paltemio Barbetti served the unchallenged Ohawuchi on the left, a Sliema goal loomed large but the Nigerian blasted the ball wide. After 65 minutes, the Wanderers equalised with Mark Scerri hitting a first-time volley into the far corner.

The Wanderers quickly underlined their attacking threat when Ohawuchi cross was met by substitute Ariel Laudisi whose firm header had the beating of Gauci after 70 minutes.

With Birkirkara all at sea, Sliema went for the kill and five minutes later, Laudisi scored with an exquisite chip to seal the Wanderers’ win.