Valletta surge Past Birkirkara to reach FA Trophy Final

Valletta FC secured their place in the final of the Meridianbet FA Trophy with a 3–1 victory over Birkirkara FC.

The Citizens will now face Gżira United FC in the final, after the Maroons overcame Naxxar Lions FC in the other semi-final.

After a slow and uneventful opening, the match burst into life late in the first half as Valletta struck twice in quick succession to take firm control. Although Birkirkara managed to pull one back from the penalty spot in the second half, Valletta sealed the win with a late goal in stoppage time.

The first 30 minutes offered little action, with both goalkeepers largely untroubled. Birkirkara came close on 31 minutes when Leandro Lacunza unleashed a powerful effort from outside the area, but Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Maringa reacted well to block.

Valletta responded with a promising move on 39 minutes. Andrea Zammit capitalised on a poor clearance and, despite pressure from defenders, set up Diogo Tavares, whose cross found Thaylor, but his close-range attempt was deflected behind for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, Valletta broke the deadlock. Brandon Paiber combined with Yuri before delivering a cross into the area, where Zammit rose to head past goalkeeper Martinez.

Moments later, Valletta doubled their lead. Yannick Yankam picked out Yuri Messias, who cut inside and fired a precise shot from the edge of the box beyond the Birkirkara keeper.

Valletta continued to dominate after the break, creating several chances. Zammit saw a cross parried by Martinez, while further efforts from Yankam and Tavares were also kept out by the alert Birkirkara goalkeeper.

However, Birkirkara were given a lifeline on 70 minutes when referee Fyodor Zammit awarded a penalty following a foul by Jake Azzopardi on Lucas Macula, confirmed after a VAR-style review. Substitute Jere Vrcic converted to reduce the deficit.

Birkirkara pushed for an equaliser, with Macula going close with a header, but Valletta remained dangerous on the counter, forcing more saves from Martinez.

In stoppage time, Valletta put the result beyond doubt. Captain Brandon Paiber found the net to complete the scoring and send his side into the final in confident fashion.

Match stats:

VALLETTA 3-1 BIRKIRKARA
Zammit 40, Messias 42, Paiber 90 (V); Vrcic 70 (B)

VALLETTA
A. Maringa; S. Borg, A. Zammit (76 S. Meijer), B. Paiber, J. Azzopardi, D. Tavares (87 M. Ellul), Y. Yankam, M. Mbende, Y. Messias (79 J. Mendoza), S. Radic, T. Aldama.
BIRKIRKARA
M. Martinez; F. Lopez, M. Morello, S. Dimech (60 J. Busuttil), L. Macula, L. Lacunza (86 L. Lacunza), N. Micallef, A. Coppola, G. Acheampong, A. Garzia (60 K. Reid), J. Bayo (60 J. Vrcic).

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.