Balzan through to FA Trophy final after extra-time

Balzan will be facing Sliema Wanderers in the final of the FA Trophy as they came from behind to beat Pembroke Athleta 3-1 in extra-time in the second semi-final on Sunday.

The two teams shared the exchanges with Pembroke taking the lead during the first half. Late in the game, Balzan, who had eliminated Fgura United, Melita and Tarxien Rainbows on the way to the semi-finals, levelled matters to force extra-time. In extra-time, Oliver Spiteri’s side held the upper hand and scored twice to secure a place in the final for the first time in the history of the club.

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Pembroke managed to take the lead on the 34th when off a assist by Siraj Arab, Ariel Laudisi slotted the ball past goalkeeper Janjusevic from inside the area.

Balzan almost every notched the equaliser on the 76th when Alan da Silva Souza’s attempt from outside the area hit the crossbar with goalkeeper Mario Muscat beaten.

However they were not to be denied four minutes later when a Pedrinho freekick was partially saved by Muscat and off the rebound. Alan da Silva Souza placed the ball at the back of the net.

With the score still draw, the game went into extra-time and on the 97th minute, Balzan forged ahead when off a cross from the right by Alfred Effiong, Bojan Kaljevic headed home past goalkeeper Mario Muscat.

One minute from time, Alfred Effiong was brought down inside the area by Miguel Attard following a good run on the right flank. Referee Philip Farrugia ordered a penalty and Pedro dos Santos Calcado converted from the penalty spot.

BALZAN Ivan Janjusevic, Justin Grioli, Paul Fenech, Steve Bonnici, Aleksandar Vujacic (19′ Pedro dos Santos Calcado), Clive Brincat, Alfred Effiong, Alan da Silva Souza (106′ Maxim Focsa), Bojan Kaljevic,Elkin Orlando Serrano, Dylan Grima (45+1′ Luke Sciberras).
Subs not used: Christian Cassar, Paul Lapira, Sean Cipriott, Jamie Zerafa.
Coach: Oliver Spiteri

PEMBROKE Mario Muscat, Zoran Levnaic, Owen Bugeja (82′ Obinna Obiefule), Miguel Attard, Gustavon Villalobos, Kyle O’ Brien, Manolito Micallef, Paltemio Barbetti, Siraj Arab Eddin (71′ Terence Agius)(90+2′ Leighton Grech), Ariel Laudisi, Alex Cini.
Subs not used: Matthew Farrugia, Tyrone Fenech, Gustavo de Paulo da Nobrega, Obinna Obiefule, Sunday Eboh.
Coach: Winston Muscat

Referee: Philip Farrugia
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Chris Francalanza
Additional Assistant Referees: Marco Borg, Stefan Pace
Fourth Official: Paul Apap
Yellow Cards: Fenech, Effiong, Cini, Grioli, Brincat, Kaljevic, Micallef
Attendance: 480

One comment

  1. Congratulations Balzan. Now your chance to establish yourselves among Malta’s elite clubs. Victory in the FA Trophy against Sliema will see to that. So go for it.

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