The stage is set for an action-packed set of Meridianbet FA Trophy Semi-Finals, as four teams battle it out for the two spots in the Final and to get the opportunity to lift the prestigious trophy.
The four semi-finalists for this year’s edition of the competition are Gzira United, Naxxar Lions FC, Valletta FC and Birkirkara FC.
The first Semi-Final, between Gzira and Naxxar, will take place on Saturday 4th April 2026 at 13:45hrs, with the following tie, Valletta against Birkirkara, taking place later on the same day at 17:30hrs. Both matches will be held at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali, with tickets available through the Malta FA tickets portal.
Ahead of the two matches, a press conference was held on Thursday morning at the Trophies Lounge in Ta’ Qali with representatives from all four clubs to preview the exciting matchups. Gzira Coach Darren Abdilla, Naxxar Director Omar Borg, Valletta Coach Thane Micallef and Birkirkara Coach Paul Zammit addressed the press conference, presented by Pamela Schembri.
When asked regarding the preparation ahead of the eagerly awaited Semi-Finals, all four club representatives stated that they have found it rather difficult due to some players only recently returning from international duty. However, they also remarked that at the end of the day, it also served as an opportunity to get some players back who were previously injured.
Zammit said that the three-week break between matches proved to be very important given he only recently returned to the club.
“The team is starting to build an identity, and the past three weeks have been very important for us. We have had a turbulent season, yet knowing we are still in the Meridianbet FA Trophy gives us a boost. It was rather positive that we had an opportunity to recover the players who were injured,” he stated.
In order to reach the Semi-Finals, all four teams had relatively different paths. Gzira had to beat St Andrews FC, Hibernians FC and in the Quarter-Finals, Mosta FC. Naxxar faced off against Marsa FC, Swieqi United and most recently, Zurrieq FC. From the other Semi-Final, Valletta got narrow, but decisive wins against Pembroke Athleta FC and Tarxien Rainbows FC, before knocking out Hamrun Spartans FC in the Quarter-Finals. Birkirkara FC got past S.K. Victoria Wanderers, before then beating Pietà Hotspurs FC and Zabbar St Patrick FC.
Commenting on their respective routes, all of the representatives said that they were testing encounters.
Micallef said that all three fixtures in Valletta’s path to the Semi-Final were all very different.
“We had started the season on a positive run, and while we had a slight dip in form in the latter stages of the season, we still managed to get the results we wanted, even if the performances were not always there. The clash against Hamrun in the Quarter-Finals was a much-anticipated game, and there I need to give my plaudits to the players as they showed great resilience, even with the game going to extra-time. While we will have a tough encounter against Birkirkara, I am certain that we will give it our all,” he added.
Borg commented that during the cup run, Naxxar also needed to focus on their league position, given that they needed to improve to avoid relegation.
“We also had the challenge of transitioning from one coach to another earlier in the season, yet we used that to our advantage and in the process have brought out the best of the team,” Borg continued.
Abdilla said that the Meridianbet FA Trophy represents a great opportunity for Gzira to get European football for next season.
“Our path to this stage of the competition saw us compete against difficult opposition, with all three matches presenting different situations. There has been an improvement throughout the competition from our end, yet we will also be playing against an in-form team, and I believe a lot in the work that Gzira Coach Winston Muscat is doing, so I am expecting a difficult match,” he stated.
The representatives were then asked what is done differently in terms of preparation when it comes to a knockout match, especially when it is at the latter stages of the competition. All of them stated that there are only minor tweaks in terms of preparation for the matches, but it is also a case of preparing mentally for such a crucial match.
“I would like to thank all those supporters who work tirelessly for our matches to have memorable atmospheres. The hype is there, and from our end as a club we are doing all we can so that whoever is at the stadium can enjoy the match. Our target is to do something that the club has never done, and we are very motivated,” Borg said in a final message to Naxxar’s supporters.
Abdilla, addressing Gzira’s fans, noted that the supporters have always been behind them, especially when they made it to European competitions. “Our motivation is for us to reach the Final, and get over the hurdle of the Semi-Finals that we have struggled with in the past.”
Zammit said that the Birkirkara faithful have constantly stood by the team, and they welcomed his return to managing the side well. “With the supporters’ help we have pulled through. These are very special moments for us, and I know that both teams – Birkirkara and Valletta – will have the 12th player in the stands.”
Micallef highlighted the Valletta fans’ constant support, even during the difficult moments. “I would like to encourage all the supporters to come to the stadium and back us like they always do. Their support always transmits itself to the pitch, and I know that the rivalry between Valletta and Birkirkara always brings back special memories.”