Balzan registered the biggest win in the FXDD Knock-Out Quarter-Finals after seeing off Swieqi 10-0. They dominated this match right from the start with Swieqi players trying to limit the damage and keeping their opponents away from goal.
However Balzan maintained the high tempo of play and scored ten goals from three braces by Glenn Bonello, Emil Andrei Raducu, Giancarlo Sammut and a goal by Nicola Del Re, Gabriel Dobre, Andrea Dan and Jovica Milijic.
Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg
Pembroke Athleta narrowly defeated San Gwann 2-1 in a relatively balanced quarter-final encounter with Pembroke being a better side in the first half after scoring two goals before half-time. But in the second half, San Gwann pressed hard to find the goal that could have got them back into the game. They eventually reduced the arrears 2-1 to cause an intense finale. Pembroke defended boldly to secure a precious win that put them in the semifinal stage of this competition.
Zabbar St. Patrick beat Gzira United 5-4 on penalties after the two teams had earlier played out a 4-4 draw after 40 minutes of effective play.
It was an exciting match between two teams who produced some exceptional futsal play. Zabbar had some good possession and offensive tactics while Gzira operated with fine counter-attacks. Gzira went twice ahead 3-1 and 4-2 with Zabbar always reducing the arrears. After a 3-2 half-time, Zabbar reacted well and succeeded to restore parity two minutes from the end. The Maroons hit the post on a couple of times while Zabbar had a player sent off.
Alessio Restuccia prove to be Gzira’s inspirational player after scoring a hat-trick while Jurgen Mifsud netted the other one. Nikolay Filipov, Omar Toutongi and Radoslav Kovachev were among the scorers for the Southerners.
In the penalty shoot-out, Zabbar scored all the penalties with Gzira failing to convert one of them.
Vittoriosa Stars eliminated Zurrieq 5-1 to go through to the semifinals. Two braces by Leandros Calleja and Clive Calleja and a goal by Sean Vella gave the Cottonera side a well-deserved victory over Zurrieq who scored their only goal through Gary Zerafa.
The semifinals of this competition will be played on Thursday 13th March 2014.