Valletta are the first semi-finalists of the Izibet FA Trophy as they defeated Challenge League side Marsaxlokk in the first match from the quarter-finals at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Valletta, who had beaten Marsaskala 5-0 in the Round of 32 and Tarxien Rainbows 5-1 in the Round of 16, managed to take the lead on the 5th minute when off a corner by Caio Prado, Eslit Sala headed the ball home past goalkeeper Fredrick Tabone.
On the 19th minutes, Promise Oluwatobi Akinpelu doubled the score with a header off a cross by Michele Sansone from the left.
Just before the end of the first half, Marsaxlokk could have reduced the gap when they were awarded a penalty after Fontanella handled the ball inside the area but Terence Vella’s effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by Yenz Cini.
Substitute Andrea Zammit made it 3-0 on the 79th minute when he received a good assist and rounded a defender before hitting past goalkeeper Tabone.
The Citizens will be meeting the winner of the clash between Gzira United and Santa Lucia in the semi-finals.
Photo: Copyright Andrew Grima
MARSAXLOKK Frederick Tabone, Gareth Barone (46’ David Azzopardi), Juan Cruz Gill, Mattia del Negro (56’ Peter Xuereb), Augusto Rene Caseres (88’ Jeremy Delmar), Terence Vella (70’ Calvin Camilleri), Xuan Cappellino, Walter Omar Serrano, Emerson Vella, Peter Paul Sammut (56’ Ryan Tonna), Neil Micallef.
VALLETTA Yenz Cini, Jean Borg, Triston Caruana (80’ Christian Gauci), Michele Sansone, Enmy Pena Beltre (83’ Sheldon McKay), Promise Oluwatobi (80’ Haris Dilaver), Rowen Muscat, Eslit Sala, Caio Prado (59’ Andrea Zammit), Mario Fontanella, Kevin Tulimieri (59’ Shaun Dimech).
Referee: Glen Tonna
Assistant Referees: Paul Apap, Mark Ciantar
Fourth Official: Daniel Portelli