Gabriel Mensah scored to help Hibernians progress to the last 16 of the FA Trophy by beating Zurrieq 3-1 at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.
Hibernians dominated the game and were rarely put under pressure. Florencio, a striker for Zurrieq, was a headache for the Hibs defense.
Zurrieq was having difficulty gaining control of the ball. Nonetheless, they had a fantastic opportunity of their own when a penalty appeal was denied when Gonzalo Llerena seemed to foul Florencio after 22 minutes.
That proved costly, as Hibernians quickly overtook them. Jurgen Degabriele found himself in space within the region, but Dunstan Zarb kept him out. Gabriel Mensah put the ball in the back of the net after the rebound.
Hibernians swiftly recovered control. Degabriele’s corner pass was headed back across the face of the goal by Llerena, who found Bjorn Kristensen entirely unguarded at the far post to score.
Hibernians were found wanting again two minutes before halftime as sloppy marking enabled the Brazilian Florencio to shoot a low drive past Haber.
Hibernians reestablished their advantage after the break as Owolabi Muritala made it 3-1. Llerena headed Degabriele’s freekick toward goal, and the Nigerian striker came in the way to head the ball behind Zarb with the help of the goalpost.
Hibernians will now focus on their league game against Mosta FC.
