Gżira United secured their place in the Meridianbet FA Trophy semi-finals following a dramatic 2–1 victory over Mosta in a fiercely contested encounter.
The Maroons signalled their intentions early. After just 12 minutes, Brooklyn Borg slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to Andrew Borg, who raced clear on goal. However, Mosta goalkeeper Jorgen Demba stood tall to produce an important save and keep the scores level.
Five minutes later, Gżira made their pressure count. The move originated deep in their own half, with Luis Riascos sending a long ball forward towards Andre Costa de Penha. Showing composure, Costa de Penha squared into the path of Josue Bonilla Calderon. Although the striker appeared to lose control while attempting to beat Salomao Willian, he managed to nudge the ball into space where Brooklyn Borg arrived to unleash a fierce rising drive into the top corner, beyond Demba’s reach.
Mosta responded positively to going behind. Nevin Portelli came close after being picked out at the far post by Giancarlo Goncalves, but his effort was directed straight at Eduardo Colombo. On 35 minutes, Riascos tested Demba from distance, forcing the goalkeeper into a controlled two-step save.
The Blues nearly levelled before the interval when Portelli surged down the left flank, outpacing Isemoli N’Sa Chrisnovic, but his final attempt drifted high at the far post.
Mosta emerged strongly after the restart and almost drew level on 52 minutes when Goncalves produced a dazzling solo run before striking low against the upright. Two minutes later, he made no mistake. Awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position, Goncalves curled a looping effort over the wall and inside the near post to make it 1–1.
Parity lasted barely a minute. Gżira responded immediately through Andrew Borg, who unleashed a stunning 30-metre strike that flew past Demba to restore the Maroons’ advantage in spectacular fashion.
Clayton Failla nearly extended the lead with an inswinging corner that forced Demba into a sharp save, while Prince Chibuzor threatened after switching flanks, setting up Goncalves for a chance that was well read by Colombo.
Mosta pushed relentlessly in the closing stages. Eight minutes from time, Goncalves lofted a ball toward Chibuzor, who controlled on his chest and fired first-time, only for Colombo to produce another vital stop. Nathan Agius later delivered an inviting cross, but Chibuzor’s header drifted wide.
Gżira had a golden opportunity to seal the result when Andre Costa de Penha squared for Stasa Bastic, yet with the goal at his mercy, he sent his effort wide.
There was still time for late drama. Deep into stoppage time, Mosta laid siege to the Gżira goal and saw the ball dramatically cleared off the line. Furious appeals followed, with Mosta coach Joseph Grech calling for an FVS review, insisting the ball had crossed the line. After consulting the pitchside monitor, referee Glen Tonna upheld his original decision and waved play on.
Moments later, the final whistle confirmed Gżira United’s hard-fought victory and their progression to the semi-finals after a contest packed with tension until the very end.
GŻIRA UNITED 2
B. Borg 17
A. Borg 55
MOSTA 1
Goncalves 54
Teams
Gżira United: E. Colombo, D. Abela, A. Borg, B. Borg (78 K. Bastic), A. Penha da Costa, C. Failla, L. Riascos, I. N’Sa Chrisnovic, D. Xuereb (87 M. Van de Bovenkamp), J. Bonilla (87 S. Martinez), M. Stojanovic
Mosta: J. Demba, N. Portelli (74 N. Agius), G. Goncalves, K. Zammit, J. Dias, A. Kozic (46 P. Chibuzor), C. Oderinde (74 S. Eikwu-Ojo), S. Willian (64 S. Zibo), P. Cacho Alves, J. Vassallo (85 Z. Brincat), L. Fernandes
Referee: Glen Tonna
Yellow Cards: Bonilla, Oderinde, Cacho
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