Second-half goals enable Qormi to reach historic FA Trophy final

Qormi secured a place in the final of the U*BET FA Trophy for the first time in the history of the club after beating Tarxien Rainbows 2-0. In Sunday’s final, Vince Carbonaro’s side will be facing Valletta who defeated Hamrun Spartans on penalties on Monday.

The Yellows also stay on track for a place in the UEFA Europa League this summer. In fact, even if they fail to win the U*BET FA Trophy, they will still have the chance to play out a decider against Sliema Wanderers for the third place.

Both coaches were unable to field their best formation as Qormi striker Alfred Effiong and Tarxien defender Lee Galea were both serving a one-match ban. Also missing for Qormi was Roderick Sammut. On the other hand, Anderson Mendes Ribeiro was back for the Rainbows after recovering from an injury.

The game lacked goal-mouth action, especially during the first half with the best chance occurring on 16 minutes when a Massimo Grima free kick ended just wide. The Rainbows then suffered a major set-back when influential midfielder Denni Rocha Dos Santos had to leave the pitch injured.

One minute in the second half, a Matthew Bartolo header was cleared off the goal-line by a defender.

Qormi managed to break the deadlock on 55 minutes when off a cross by Matthew Bartolo from the right, Camilo Da Silva Sanvezzo slotted the ball past Anthony Curmi from just inside the area.

Tarxien replied with a fierce shot by Gianluca Calabretta from the right which was neutralised by Matthew Farrugia on 75 minutes. A shot by Anderson Mendes Ribeiro from outside the area ended wide four minutes later.

Ten minutes from time, Camilo entered the area from the left, only to have a first attempt blocked by Anthony Curmi. Off the rebound, his low shot beat the Tarxien custodian but the ball hit the foot of the post and was then cleared into safety by a defender.

Two minutes later, Qormi sealed the issue when Matthew Bartolo managed to beat Curmi with a diagonal shot from the left. The ball hit the foot of the upright before ending at the back of the net.

Stefan Giglio could have added another in added time but his low shot was blocked by Curmi when served by Camilo from the left.

Photos: Copyright © fotoincmalta.com

QORMI Matthew Farrugia, Duncan Pisani, Ramon Dos Santos, Massimo Grima, Matthew Bartolo (87‘ Kenneth Spiteri), Keith Fenech (46’ Ryan Deguara), Joseph Farrugia (92′ Stephen Meilak), Camilo Da Silva Sanvezzo, Jonathan Bondin, Stefan Giglio, Stephen Wellman.
Subs not used: Matthew Camilleri, Malcolm Buttigieg, Carmelo Farrugia, George Chircop.
Coach: Vince Carbonaro
Asst. Coach: Mark Vella

TARXIEN Anthony Curmi, Manuel Caruana, David Camilleri, Everton Antonio Pereira, Anderson Mendes Ribeiro, Mark Tanti, Andrew Decesare, Denni Rocha Dos Santos (37‘ Gianluca Calabretta), Ryan Mintoff, Ryan Grech (73‘ James Shead), Justin Grioli (60‘ Steve Sadowski).
Subs not used: David Cassar, Warren Zerafa, Luke Vella Critien, Clive Fenech.
Coach: Noel Coleiro
Asst. Coach: Michael Church

Referee: Chris Lautier
Assistant Referees: Ingmar Spiteri, Alan Camilleri
Fourth Official: Andre Arciola
Yellow Cards: J. Grioli, K. Fenech, A. Ribeiro, J. Bondin, Pereira
Scorers: 55’ Camilo Da Silva Sanvezzo, 82‘ Matthew Bartolo