Holders Birkirkara struggled more than expected to eliminate Challenge League side Attard at the Centenary Stadium in one of the seven IZIBET FA Trophy Round of 32 matches in programme on Saturday.
Following a goalless first half, Maxuell Maia put Birkirkara ahead on the 61th but Camilo Del Castillo Escobar equalised six minutes later. The Stripes regained the lead thanks to an Andrei Ciolacu penalty on the 75th and an own goal three minutes in added time sealed the issue.
In the Round of 16, Birkirkara will be facing Nadur Youngsters or Sirens.
Hamrun Spartans defeated Lija Athletic 3-0 at the Centenary Stadium.
Uros Duranovic handed Hamrun the lead on the 9th. Kwan Scicluna doubled the score on the 72nd and Luke Montebello sealed the issue with a third goal six minutes from time.
The Spartans face Xewkija Tigers or Gudja United in the next round.
At the Tony Bezzina Stadium, Floriana defeated Naxxar Lions 2-0 in a clash between two Premier League sides.
Matias Garcia put the Greens ahead on the 24th and Matheus Souza doubled the score five minutes in added time.
Floriana will be facing Zebbug Rangers in the Round of 16.
In fact, Zebbug Rangers defeated leaders Zabbar St. Patrick in a clash between two Challenge League sides at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
Duvan Mosquera Torres converted a penalty six minutes from the end of the first half to put Zebbug ahead but Brian Ariel Gambarte equalised four minutes later. However as the game seemed heading for extra-time, Johann Bezzina notched the winner four minutes in added time.
At the Centenary Stadium, Mosta defeated Pieta’ Hotspurs 5-1.
Christian Ndubuisi Nnaji put Mosta ahead on the 23rd and although Hibiki Mochizuki equalised on the 32nd, Precious Linus Tenebe restored the lead on the 38th. Tenebe made it 3-0 four minutes in the second half and Nnaji added another five minutes later. Jean Paul Farrugia made it 5-1 on the 69th.
The Blues will be facing Valletta or Ghajnsielem in the Round of 16.
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, National Amateur League side Mgarr United defeated Challenge League side Msida St. Joseph 3-1.
Nicholas Schembri put Mgarr ahead on the 10th and Christian Saint Ebisindor doubled the score on the 26th. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza reduced the gap on the 65th but Saint made it 3-1 on the 90th.
Mgarr United will be facing Santa Lucia in the Round of 16.
At the Tony Bezzina Stadium, Marsaxlokk defeated neighbours Zejtun Corinthians 5-0.
Yuri Messias opened the score on the 26th and Sunday Akinbule made it 2-0 on the 36th. Samuel Boakye increased the lead seven minutes in the second half with Jacob Walker scoring a fourth goal on the 65th. Diego Pires dall’Oca added another on the 80th.
The Southseasiders will be facing Luqa St. Andrew’s or Swieqi United in the Round of 16.
The Round of 16 will be played on February 6-8, the Quarter Finals on March 30 and April 1, the Semi Finals on May 11 and 12 and the Final on May 18.