Meridianbet FA Trophy semi-finals to be played on Wednesday

Cups & Knock-Outs
by Antoine Busuttil

Four teams will be eyeing a spot in the final of the Meridianbet FA Trophy as the semi-finals are scheduled at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

With Hamrun Spartans, Birkirkara and Floriana having already secured a spot in the UEFA competitions this summer, the FA Trophy should determine the remaining spot in the UEFA Conference League. Success for Hibernians would mean that the Paolites would qualify. Otherwise, Sliema Wanderers would make it to the UEFA Conference League thanks to their fourth place in the Malta Premier.

In the first semi-final, kick-off at 18:00, Birkirkara take on Floriana.

The two teams entered the Final Four of the 360Sports Malta Premier with the Stripes reaching the final and losing narrowly to Hamrun Spartans and the Greens losing to the Spartans in the semi-finals but securing third place thanks to a win over Sliema Wanderers.

To reach this stage, Birkirkara defeated Balzan 2-1, Fgura United 3-0 and Valletta 3-1 (after extra-time) while Floriana defeated Xewkija Tigers 2-0, Victoria Hotspurs 4-1 and Mosta 2-0.

Birkirkara and Floriana met four times this season. Floriana won 3-1 and 1-0 in the Opening Round but in the Closing Round, Birkirkara won 2-0 in the league phase with the Top 6 clash ending in a 1-1 draw.

In the second semi-final, kick-off at 20:45, champions Hamrun Spartans take on Hibernians.

The Spartans claimed the 360Sports Malta Premier title after overcoming the challenge offered by Floriana and Birkirkara, defeating the Greens on penalties in the semi-finals and the Stripes 1-0 in the final. On the other hand, the Paolites finished fourth in the Opening Round Top 6 and second in the Closing Round Bottom 6.

The Spartans reached the final after defeating Swieqi United 5-0, Zabbar St. Patrick 2-1 and Sliema Wanderers 2-0. On the other hand, Hibernians beat Zebbug Rangers 4-0, Qala Saints 3-0 and Naxxar Lions 2-0.

Hamrun and Hibs met three times with the Paolites winning 2-0 in the Opening Round league phase, Hamrun winning 2-1 in the Opening Round Top 6 and 3-0 in the Closing Round league phase.