Valletta eliminate Ħamrun Spartans with confident 2–0 Victory to reach Jubilee Cup Semi-Finals

Valletta produced a commanding display to defeat Malta champions Ħamrun Spartans 2-0 and advance to the semi-finals of the MFA Jubilee Cup. The Citizens delivered a strong, disciplined performance that not only secured qualification but also avenged last week’s narrow 1–0 league defeat to the Spartans.

First Half: Messias Stuns Ħamrun with Brilliant Opener

Valletta were the sharper side from the outset, pressing aggressively and denying Ħamrun the chance to settle into their rhythm.

Their early dominance was rewarded after 19 minutes through a moment of brilliance. Yuri Messias dispossessed an opponent near the halfway line and, noticing goalkeeper Henry Bonello off his line, executed an audacious lob that sailed straight into the net, sending Valletta supporters into raptures.

Ħamrun, shaken by the opener, tried to respond quickly. Four minutes later, they regained possession near the Valletta box, but Semar Smajlagic squandered a promising opportunity, opting for a wild shot rather than passing to the unmarked Merlin Hadži.

The champions continued to push. In the 27th minute, Hadži unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area, but Valletta goalkeeper Adilson reacted brilliantly to parry the effort.

Just before half-time, controversy struck. Referee Fyodor Zammit awarded Ħamrun a penalty, judging Steve Borg to have handled Joseph Mbong’s shot. However, Valletta immediately appealed using the Football Video Support (FVS), and the decision was overturned—no handball, no penalty.

Second Half: Citizens Remain in Control

Valletta thought they had doubled their lead shortly before the hour mark. A quick transition released Andrea Zammit down the flank, whose low cross found Messias for a clean finish. But FVS intervened again, correctly ruling Zammit offside in the build-up.

Ħamrun intensified their efforts and began committing more players forward. On 70 minutes, they appealed for another penalty when Shaisen Attard went down under goalkeeper Maringa’s challenge. The Spartans used FVS, but the referee upheld his original no-penalty decision.

Ten minutes from time, Ħamrun had their best chance of the match. A deflected Ryan Camenzuli shot fell kindly to Joseph Mbong just metres from goal, but the winger failed to connect, letting Valletta off the hook.

Ewurum Seals the Win, Polito Sent Off

Valletta sealed their victory in the 87th minute. Aldama surged down the right flank and squared the ball perfectly for substitute Keyon Ewurum, who calmly finished into an empty net to make it 2–0.

The Spartans’ misery deepened in stoppage time when Vincenzo Polito was shown a straight red card for halting Jackson Mendoza, who was through on goal. The dismissal capped a frustrating afternoon for the defending champions.

Valletta now march into the semi-finals full of confidence, having delivered one of their best performances of the season against the reigning Maltese champions.