Gzira United came from behind to beat Naxxar Lions 2-1 after extra-time in the first semi-final of the Meridianbet FA Trophy at the National Stadium on Saturday.
For the Maroons, this will be their second FA Trophy final in the history of the club after winning the competition thanks to a 2-0 win over Birkirkara following two goalless draws.
Naxxar managed to take the lead on 20 minutes when off a good move between Edson Farias and Joao Moura, the latter served Vitinho who controlled the ball before beating goalkeeper Colombo with a fine shot from outside the area.
Gżira had a goal by Andre disallowed for an offside on 31 minutes and three minutes from the end of the first half, Luis Riascos had a shot from the left was neutralised by Matthias Debono.
Sixteen minutes in the second half, Gżira threatened with a cross shot by Clayton Failla which scraped past the post.
However, on 76 minutes, the Maroons equalised courtesy of Andre who headed home past goalkeeper Matthias Debono levelled matters following a corner by Failla from the right.
Naxxar went close to regaining the lead on the 90th when Joao Moura hit the crossbar with a header with Colombo deflecting the ball and Vinicius Baiano served Theo Seara Kruger who hit wide.
With the result still draw, the game went into extra time and Gzira notched the winner ten minutes in the first half of extra-time when Brooklyn Borg was floored inside the area by Mattias Micallef and Maxwell Samurai’s effort from the penalty spot saw the ball hitting the crossbar and the upright before ending at the back of the net.
Past the second minute of added time in the second half of extra-time, Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono was sent off for a foul on Samurai in midfield.