Valletta were the first team to reach the final of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup as they scored twice in the second half to defeat Tarxien Rainbows 2-0 at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

The Citizens were unlucky to hit the foot of the upright on 21 minutes with Yuri Messias who concluded a good move with a shot from inside the area when served by Andrea Zammit. 

Valletta were reduced to ten men ten minutes in the second half when Neil Micallef was sent off after picking a second yellow card for a foul on Erico Junior.

However, on 70 minutes, they managed to take the lead. Thaylor provided the assist from the right and Yuri Messias slotted the ball past goalkeeper Spiteri. 

One minute later, Tarxien were also reduced to ten men after Rafael Tavares was sent off following a dangerous tackle on Yuri Messias. 

Three minutes from time, Valletta challenged the referee’s decision not to award a penalty as Yannick Yankam ended on the ground when challenged by Miguel D’Alessandro and Luke Anthony Borg but the referee confirmed his decision following FVS review.

Five minutes in added time, Valletta sealed the issue with a second goal. Thaylor beat Sheldon Mizzi on the run and delivered a perfect pass for Brandon Paiber who hit home past the ball past Spiteri.

Two minutes later, Jai Quitongo beat goalkeeper Adilson Maringa following a great move by Tavinho but the goal was disallowed following FVS review for a foul by the latter on Shaft Brewer.

VALLETTA Adilson Maringa, Steve Borg, Andrea Zammit (90+2’ Keyon Ewurum), Brandon Paiber, Jake Azzopardi (66’ Zachary Cassar), Yannick Yankam (90’ Jackson Mendoza), Shaft Brewer, Neil Micallef, Yuri Messias, Sava Radic, Evandro Gomes (46′ Thaylor).

TARXIEN Miguel Spiteri, Miguel D’Alessandro, Tiago Santos (71’ Tavinho), Erico Junior (57’ Nhayson), Gabriel Vella (82’ Luke Anthony Borg), Sheldon Mizzi, Kwasi Donsu (82’ Claudio Murici), Rafael Tavares, Wallisson Bahia (57’ Jai Quitongo), Andreas Vella, Marcus Grima.

Referee: Matthew De Gabriele
Assistant Referee: Jurgen Spiteri, David Castillo
Fourth Official: Daniel Portelli