Birkirkara, Valletta in clash for FA Trophy final spot

After missing out on the BOV Premier League title, runners-up Valletta and third-placed Birkirkara will be all out to secure a place in the final of the Malta FA Trophy, sponsored by Attian Group, as the two teams cross swords in the first semi-final at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 17:00.

The two teams met four times this season. Birkirkara defeated Valletta 2-1 in the BOV Super Cup in August. The Stripes went on to beat Valletta 2-0 in the first round and after a 1-1 draw in the second round, Valletta emerged as winners in the third round, beating their opponents 2-1.

The season could be considered a disappointment for both sides as they never really managed to keep the pace with leaders Hibernians and therefore winning the FA Trophy is a must for both Birkirkara and Valletta.

The Stripes’ morale was boosting with the signing of new contracts by Rowen Muscat, Justin Haber and Paul Fenech. Haruna Shola Shodiya is ruled out injured.

For the semi-final, the Citizens could not count on the suspended Pietro Marino and the injured Steve Borg and Jonathan Caruana. Caruana, whose contract with Valletta expired at the end of the season, also signed a new long-term deal.