Birkirkara and Floriana target a place in the final as they cross swords on Sunday afternoon in the second semi-final of the U*BET FA Trophy. The winner would meet champions Valletta in a week’s time.

The Greens start as favourites, considering that they defeated Birkirkara in three of the four Premier League matches played this season. They won 2-0 in the first round, 5-1 in the third round and 3-0 in their last league outing last week. The second round clash, on the other hand, ended in a 1-0 win for Birkirkara.

After finishing their Premier League commitments in the runner-up position, Floriana are eager to end the season on a high note by reaching the FA Trophy final and upset their eternal rivals Valletta. The Greens won the FA Trophy eighteen times.

Floriana beat Lija Athletic 3-0, Mosta 1-0 after extra-time and Qormi on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time.

The Stripes, winners of the FA Trophy four times, would make up for a rather disappointing season in which they finished third after winning the championship last season. Although they are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Europa League, they aim at reaching the final in order to maintain the bid to win the second major honour of local football.

The Stripes were awarded a bye in the first two rounds, beating Sliema Wanderers on penalties following a 3-3 draw in the quarter-finals.

Floriana could not count on goalkeeper Lotfi Saidi who was sent off in the quarter-final against Qormi.

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