The University of Malta pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat reigning champions Luxol St Andrews 2-1 and lift the Laferla Futsal Trophy for the fourth time in their history.
Played in front of a lively crowd, the final got off to a dramatic start as Luxol took the lead after just two minutes through veteran captain Mark Zammit, whose sharp first-time strike left goalkeeper Stefan Vella with no chance. Despite the early blow, the University of Malta showed composure and belief, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their efforts were nearly rewarded, but the woodwork twice denied them the satisfaction of a goal.
The match took a decisive turn five minutes from time when Luxol goalkeeper Clint Mifsud was shown a red card, forcing Luxol to reorganise defensively. Sensing the shift in momentum, the University of Malta intensified their pressure, and were soon rewarded when Luke Anthony Borg found the net to level the score.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, the students struck again. In the final minute of regular time, Cristian Jose Fernandez unleashed a powerful effort that beat substitute goalkeeper Ryan Marmara, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Luxol launched a last-ditch offensive in the dying seconds, but the University of Malta held firm to claim a historic win and deny the champions back-to-back titles.
At full-time, Futsal Malta Association President Mark Borg presented the trophy to University of Malta captain Cleaven Portelli, sparking scenes of celebration among players and supporters.
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Falzon
University of Malta Students Futsal Team: Stefan Vella, Steven Camilleri, Cleaven Portelli (c), Paul Scerri, Cristian Jose Fernandez, Ryan Scerri, Mark Adami, Zvezdan Vukovic, Andre Cachia, Luke Anthony Borg, Stefan Camilleri.
Luxol St Andrews FC Futsal Team: Bernard Camilleri, Mark Zammit (c), Maicon Da Silva Gaiewski, Marwan Telisi, Jhonn Anderson Castro Pulido, Clint Mifsud, Ryan Marmara, Luke Gatt, Andy Mangion, Emil Andrei Raducu, Michael Borg, Andre Ciancio, Nathan Cope, Robert Stoyanov.
Match Officials:
Clinton Cassar, Andrea Naudi.