Pieta’ Hotspurs secured a place in the Round of 32 of the Izibet FA Trophy after defeating Rabat Ajax on penalties in a entertaining match from the Preliminary Round at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday.
In the next round, the Hotspurs join Fgura United, Marsaxlokk, Melita, St. Andrews. St. George’s, Tarxien Rainbows, Vittoriosa Stars and Zebbug Rangers, National Amateur League sides Marsaskala and Zabbar St. Patrick and Gozitan sides Nadur Youngsters and Xewkija Tigers; the teams who were awarded a bye, namely Luqa St. Andrew’s, Swieqi United, Marsa, Ghajnsielem, Pembroke Athleta and Zejtun Corinthians and the twelve Premier League clubs.
Yuto Morita put the Hotspurs ahead on the 37th but ten minutes in the second half, Miguel Aquilina levelled matters for Rabat. Pieta’ regained the lead through another goal by Morita eight minutes later but Manuel Angel Bustos forced extra time with a goal one minute in added time.
With no goals scored in extra-time, the penalty shoot-out had to determine the winner. Paul Lapira scored for Pieta’, Elmir Lekaj replied for Rabat, Daniel Zerafa scored for Pieta’ and Gaston Poncet Otero scored for Rabat, Zean Leonardi scored for Pieta’ but Manuel Bustos hit high for Rabat and after Kian Leonardi scored another penalty for Pieta’, Nicolai Attard hit high for Rabat.