Valletta and Tarxien Rainbows secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup as they eliminated Hamrun Spartans and Marsaxlokk respectively in the quarter-finals which were played at the National Stadium on Sunday.
The two teams will be facing each other in the first semi-final on Wednesday while Sliema Wanderers and Zabbar St. Patrick face each other in the other semi-final.
In the first quarter-final, Valletta scored a goal in each half to beat Hamrun Spartans 2-0.
The Citizens managed to take the lead on 19 minutes when following a short clearance by a defender, Yuri caught goalkeeper Henry Bonello out of place and with a perfect lob from a distance of over thirty five metres, he placed the ball at the back of the net.
One minute in added time, Hamrun were originally awarded a penalty after Steve Borg appeared to handle the ball inside the area but following a challenge by Valletta coach Thane Micallef, referee Fyodor Zammit reversed his decision.
Hamrun had an appeal for a penalty after Shaisen Attard ended on the ground when challenged by goalkeeper Adilson Maringa but following FVS review, the referee confirmed his decision not to award a penalty.
The Citizens doubled the score when off an assist by Thaylor from the right, Keyon Ewurum hit home from close range.
VALLETTA Adilson Maringa, Steve Borg, Andrea Zammit (83’ Keyon Ewurum), Brandon Paiber, Jake Azzopardi, Yannick Yankam, Shaft Brewer Jr, Neil Anthony Micallef, Yuri (83’ Jackson Mendoza), Sava Radic, Evandro Gomes (64’ Thaylor).
HAMRUN Henry Bonello, Nikolai Micallef (58’ Ryan Camenzuli), Sven Xerri, Shaisen Attard, Matias Garcia, Jospeh Mbong, Vincenzo Polito, Semir Smajlagic (46’ N’Dri Koffi), Domantas Simkus (46’ Ante Coric), Mouad El Fanis, Merlin Hadzi (62’ Rafael Compri).
Referee: Fyodor Zammit
Assistant Referees: James Muscat, Mark Ciantar
Fourth Official: Joseph Scerri
In the other match, Tarxien Rainbows defeated Marsaxlokk 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw.
With the score still goalless at the end of the ninety minutes, the penalty shoot-out had to determine the winner.
Erico Junior, Rafael Tavares, Tiago Santos, Marcus Grima and Tavinho scored the five penalties for the Rainbows. On the other hand, Nevin Portelli, Nikolai Muscat, Dodo and Juvhel Tsumou scored for Marsaxlokk while Leandro Aguirre’s penalty was neutralised by Miguel Spiteri.
TARXIEN Miguel Spiteri, Willian Salomon, Jai Quitongo (63’ Erico Junior), Gabriel Vella, Sheldon Mizzi, Luke Borg (63’ Kyle Gatt), Kwasi Donsu (89’ Tiago Santos), Rafael Tavares, Wallisson Bahia (84’ Tavinho), Andreas Vella, Marcus Grima.
MARSAXLOKK Pablo Sanchez, Enrico Pepe, Nikolai Muscat, Nevin Portelli, Jake Ghio (82’ Ensell Attard), Juvhel Tsoumou, Ulises Arias (90+2’ Ayom Majok), Juan Corbalan, James Vella, Leandro Aguirre, Marcelo Santos (82’ Dodo).
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
Assistant Referees: Kurt Saliba, Max-Lee Muscat
Fourth Official: Ezekiel Barbara