Prolific striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza stole the spotlight as his late double earned the Maltese Veterans a 2-1 comeback win over the Malta Employers Sports Association (MESA) in the opening match of the Jubilee Cup. This is a tournament organised by the Malta FA to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
MESA struck first in the 75th minute through Jean Carlos Ibarra Grueso, who broke into the box and coolly finished past Matthew Camilleri. But the Veterans hit back almost instantly. Just four minutes later, Mifsud Triganza shook off his marker before drilling the equaliser into the corner.
The momentum swung decisively, and in the closing stages the former Malta international was again on hand to deliver, capitalising on a loose ball from a corner to fire into an empty net. The winner was also his 279th career goal in MFA competitions, underlining his remarkable longevity.
The Maltese Veterans now progress to the semi-finals, where they will face SWAN, who thrashed GIDA 7-1 in their quarter-final tie.
MAFA Selection March On
In another tie, the Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA) Selection secured their semi-final spot with a 3-1 victory over Masters Football Malta. Andrew Tortell gave MAFA an early lead, while goalkeeper Stephane Moto Bitseki denied Nikola Neskovic from the penalty spot.
The Masters equalised through Firas Aboulezz from the spot, but MAFA reclaimed control in the second half thanks to a towering header from Timmy Zammit Lupi. After Aboulezz missed another penalty for the Masters, Zammit Lupi sealed the win with his second of the match. MAFA will now face IASC in the semi-final.
SWAN Run Riot
Meanwhile at the Sirens Stadium, SWAN powered past GIDA with a commanding 7-1 victory. Nigerian striker Abba Auwal was unstoppable, netting five goals in a ruthless display, while Andrea Borg and Jean Christ Buttigieg added the others. Luke Mifsud scored GIDA’s lone consolation.
With this result, SWAN set up a semi-final clash with the Maltese Veterans, promising a thrilling encounter.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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