Hibernians, Floriana and Tarxien Rainbows all secured their places in the FA Trophy Last 16, each progressing in contrasting fashion as the competition gathered pace.
Hibernians, the reigning holders, began the defence of their title with a solid 3โ1 victory over Challenge League side Gudja United. The Paolites wasted little time in asserting their authority, opening the scoring after just eight minutes through Cleiton, who finished clinically to set the tone for the evening.
After the break, Hibernians doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, with Lucas Villela finding the net to strengthen their grip on the tie. Gudja briefly threatened to mount a comeback when Aleksa Zivkovic pulled one back shortly afterwards, injecting a moment of tension into the encounter. However, any hopes of an upset were swiftly extinguished as Villela struck again, completing his brace and restoring Hiberniansโ two-goal cushion to comfortably seal qualification.
In an allโPremier League clash, Floriana edged past Marsaxlokk, with the decisive moment coming courtesy of former Marsaxlokk defender Lucas Lopes. The Greens broke the deadlock in the second half from a corner kick, as Lopes rose highest to power the ball past the goalkeeper, proving the difference between the two sides.
The victory offers Floriana a timely morale boost ahead of their eagerly anticipated league showdown against title rivals ฤฆamrun Spartans, as they continue to build momentum on both domestic fronts.
Meanwhile, Tarxien Rainbows delivered one of the most convincing performances of the round, cruising into the next stage with a 4โ0 win over Gฤงajnsielem. After a balanced opening period, Wallisson put the Rainbows in front after 25 minutes. Tarxien then stepped up their tempo following the interval, adding further goals through Nhaysonn Rosa, Claudio Barbosa, and Kyle Gatt to emphatically book their place in the Last 16.
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