Joseph Minala converted two penalties as Marsaxlokk defeated Hamrun Spartans 2-1 after extra-time at the National Stadium on Saturday to reach the final of the YoHealth Malta Premier Final Four.
The Southseasiders, who placed second in the Closing Round, are now sure of playing European football this summer while standing the chance of winning the championship for the second time in the club’s history as they will face Floriana on Saturday.
The Spartans, on the other hand, now need to beat Valletta in the final for third place to qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
Marsaxlokk managed to take the lead on 38 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after FVS review when Vincenzo Polito fouled Enrico Pepe inside the area and from the penalty spot, Joseph Minala converted.
The Spartans went all out in search of the equaliser, hitting the upright with a Matthew Guillaumier free kick and finally equalised two minutes from time courtesy of Matias Garcia who beat Mafoumbi from close range following a cross from the right by Jonny and a header by Damir Ceter.
The match therefore went into extra time and eight minutes in the first half of extra-time, Marsaxlokk were awarded another penalty after FVS review after Dodo was brought down inside the area by Polito and Joseph Minala made no mistake.