GŻIRA UNITED 3
Okoye 8
Muir 12
Cohen 63
LIJA ATHLETIC 2
Beu 16 pen.
Kooh-Sohna 30
Gżira took just eight minutes to break the stalemate.
In a quick raid, Amadou Samb picked Ndubisi Okoye and the Nigerian headed the ball into the roof of the net.
The goal galvanised the Maroons who added a second on 12 minutes.
This time, Okoye turned provider as he sent a low cross towards the unmarked Gary Muir who drilled the ball past Luke Bonnici, the Lija goalkeeper.
When it looked as though Gżira were in firm control of the match, the unexpected materialised as Lija fought their way back.
On 16 minutes, Erjon Beu was upended in the area by Toni with referee Jude Utulu pointing to the spot. The Albanian picked himself up to send Justin Haber the wrong way.
Lija started to threaten more and they drew level on the half hour mark.
Galea’s throughball put Raphael Kooh-Sohna clean and the Cameroon striker kept his poise to slide the ball past Haber.
Gżira tried to regain control of the match and they almost regained the lead on 33 minutes when Okoye nodded the ball towards Andrew Cohen who saw his effort coming off the post.
BOV Player of the match Ndubisi Okoye (Gżira United).