Valletta end 2018 in style with BOV Super Cup win

Photos: Copyright © Andrew Grima Champions and FA Trophy winners Valletta won the twelfth BOV Super Cup in the history of the club after defeating last season’s runners-up Balzan 2-1 at the National Stadium on Thursday.

The Citizens therefore crowned a successful calendar year by claiming the the third trophy at stake. Balzan, on the other hand, continue to chase their first major honour.

Both sides had one change from their last outing as Miguel Angel Alba replaced Jean Borg and Dale Camilleri replaced Sean Cipriott.

The Citizens were lucky to take the lead on the 9th minute when off a cross by Miguel Angel Alba from the right, Michael Johnson deflected the ball into the net for an own goal.

Photos: Copyright © Andrew Grima

Balzan equalised on the 36th minute when Alex da Paixao Alves took full advantage of an erratic pass by Enmy Pena Beltre when pressed by Ljubomirac and with a fine shot managed to beat Henry Bonello.

However Valletta regained the lead on the 77th minute when Piciollo served Alba on the right and off the latter’s cross, Mario Fontanella flicked the ball home past Sultana.

After the match, Valletta captain Jonathan Caruana was presented with the cup by MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo and Bank of Valletta chairman Deo Scerri.

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VALLETTA Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg, Santiago Malano, Matteo Piciollo, Enmy Pena Beltre, Raed Ibrahim Saleh, Rowen Muscat, Miguel Angel Alba (85’ Kyrian Nwoko), Bojan Kaljevic (81’ Jean Borg), Mario Fontanella (90+1’ Nicholas Pulis).
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Ryan Camilleri, Russell Fenech, Joseph Zerafa, Nicholas Pulis.
Coach: Danilo Doncic
Asst. Coach: Gilbert Agius

BALZAN Steve Sultana, Justin Grioli (46’ Steve Bezzina), Dale Camilleri (76’ Andrija Majdevac), Nenad Sljivic, Alex da Paixao Alves, Michael Johnson (87’ Lydon Micallef), Alfred Effiong, Uros Ljubomirac, Ivan Bozovic, Elkin Serrano Valero, Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes.
Subs not used: Sean Mintoff, Siraj Arab Eddin, Gary Camilleri, Sean Cipriott.
Coach: Marko Micovic
Asst. Coach: Velibor Kopunovic

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Christopher Francalanza
Fourth Official: Stefan Pace
Yellow Cards: Kaljevic, Lecao, Muscat, Cadu, Fontanella, Bozovic, Piciollo
Attendance: 2,241