Valletta outclass Sliema to Lift the Malta FA Jubilee Cup

Valletta capped off a remarkable resurgence by defeating Sliema Wanderers 3–1 in a superbly contested Malta FA Jubilee Cup final on Monday evening. The Citizens, who only recently returned to the Premier League after a season in the Challenge League, delivered a composed and commanding performance to claim the special edition cup sponsored by Enemed.

The competition brought together 73 teams across the Maltese football structure, and after two months of knockout action, Valletta stood tallest — disciplined, dangerous, and deserving champions.

Two Different Paths to the Final

Sliema endured a gruelling road to the final, requiring penalty shootouts in both the First Round (vs St Andrews) and Semi-Final (vs Żabbar St Patrick). In between, they dispatched Birkirkara 3–2 and Mosta 2–0.

Valletta, meanwhile, looked far more assured. They edged Melita 1–0, cruised past Mġarr United 4–0, eliminated champions Ħamrun Spartans 2–0 in the quarter-finals, and professionally handled Tarxien Rainbows with another 2–0 win.

Yuri Strikes as Valletta Take Control

Both coaches made specific tactical decisions, with Sliema opting for an unchanged XI from their semi-final, while Thane Micallef refreshed Valletta’s back line — Emmanuel Mbende and Zachary Cassar replacing Neil Micallef and Evandro Gomes.

The match began cautiously, with Roko Prsa producing the first real test on 13 minutes, easily saved by Maringa. Moments later, Andrea Zammit forced a stretched save from Al Tumi.

Valletta gradually grew into the game, especially through the lively Yuri. After narrowly missing from distance, the Brazilian made his mark on the half-hour:

Steve Borg intercepted a loose pass, surged forward, and played Yuri through — the forward drilled a precise low shot past Freire for 1–0.

Sliema responded with pressure and even used an FVS challenge after Prsa went down in the box, but the video review confirmed an offside position. Before halftime, Magri Overend and Miguel Baggio both went close, but Valletta’s defence held firm.

Second Half: Valletta’s Quality Shines

Sliema pushed early in the second half, yet it was Yuri who twice squandered golden opportunities to extend Valletta’s lead.

On 65 minutes, Maringa produced the save of the night, tipping away a fierce strike from Magri Overend. Valletta replied with a flurry of chances after an Al Tumi clearance caused chaos, but neither Yuri nor Yankam managed to convert.

The breakthrough came with 15 minutes left:
Sava Radic was fouled in the box, and after an FVS review confirmed the penalty, Yuri stepped up and coolly doubled Valletta’s lead.

Six minutes later, the cup was effectively sealed.

Captain Brandon Paiber curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner, leaving the Sliema goalkeeper rooted and Valletta’s supporters roaring.

Late Goal Too Little Too Late for Sliema

Sliema substitute Fernandinho produced a moment of individual brilliance on 86 minutes, weaving through the Valletta defence and finishing smartly to make it 3–1 — the only goal Valletta conceded throughout the entire competition.

But the Blues ran out of time. Valletta closed out the final with authority, celebrating their latest triumph in a series of historic one-off tournaments — adding this Jubilee Cup to previous wins in the Malta Cup (1943), Centenary Cup (2000) and National League Anniversary Cup (2010).

It was a fitting conclusion to months of cup action and a powerful reminder that Valletta are once again a force to be reckoned with in Maltese football.

MATCH STATISTICS

Final Score

Sliema Wanderers 1–3 Valletta

Goals

• Valletta:

  • Yuri de Jesus Messias 30’, 77’

  • Brandon Diego Paiber 83’

• Sliema Wanderers:

  • José Fernando Gomes Junior 86’

Sliema Wanderers – Starting XI

Al Tumi; Bah, Magri Overend, Murilo Freire, Baggio, Prsa, Cumbo, Yannick Yankam, Miguel Baggio, Roko Prsa, Fernandinho (sub).

Valletta – Starting XI

Maringa; Borg, Mbende, Cassar, Paiber, Zammit, Shaft Brewer, Radic, Diego Paiber, Yuri, Yankam.