The second most important honour the local game could offer will be at stake on Sunday evening as Qormi take on Hibernians in the final of the U*BET FA Trophy at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
After finishing second behind champions Valletta, Hibernians start as favourites to claim their ninth FA Trophy but definitely need to be careful as they take on a Qormi side which seeks its first major honour in the history of the club.
Qormi were in excellent form last Sunday as they managed to defeat all odds, beating champions Valletta 4-3 thanks to a hat-trick by Brazilian striker Jorge Pereira da Silva and an early goal by Joseph Farrugia.
In the previous rounds, they had defeated Second Division champions Gzira United 1-0, Mellieha from Division Two 5-0 and First Division side Pieta Hotspurs 1-0 after extra-time.
This is the second time Qormi reached the final, losing to Valletta 1-2 in 2010.
Hibernians, on the other hand, defeated Hamrun Spartans 2-1 in the semi-finals. They had earlier beaten Third Division champions Pembroke Athleta 5-3, First Division runners-up Rabat Ajax 5-0 and Floriana 1-0.
Caretaker coach Richard Mercieca will have the full squad at his disposal as Clayton Failla and Edison Luis dos Santos will be back after serving a one match ban. Qormi, on the other hand, should be in full strength apart from Federico Mirarchi and Dino Cachia who missed the last part of the season due to injuries.
Hibs reached the final eighteen times – winning the competition eight times and losing ten times. Their last appearance in the final was the 2-1 win over Sliema Wanderers after extra-time in 2007.
Qormi and Hibernians met twice this season with the Paolites registering two wins – 2-0 in the first round and 4-0 in the second round.
Hibernians supporters will be staying in West Stand A and Millennium F while Qormi supporters will be staying in West Stand C and Millennium D.
The parking area in front of the West Stand will be reserved for Hibs supporters who should enter Ta’ Qali from Mosta. Qormi supporters should enter Ta’ Qali from the Rabat side and should use the parking areas next to the Millennium Stand.
The National Stadium will open at 16:15. Ticket booths for sections Millennium D and Millennium F will also open at 16:15. Ticket booths for West A and West C will open only if there are remaining tickets following the pre-sales.
In the final, extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw at the end of extra-time, penalty kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game.