Melita and Birżebbuġa St Peter’s booked their places in the BOV Challenge Cup final after emerging victorious from two entertaining semi-finals played at the Gozo Stadium.
Melita overcame Xewkija Tigers 3-1 in the opening semi-final, while Birżebbuġa needed extra time to edge past SK Victoria Wanderers 2-1 in the second encounter.
Melita 3 Xewkija Tigers 1
Melita entered the first semi-final as favourites, but Xewkija Tigers made the brighter start and went ahead after just seven minutes. Josiah Buttigieg delivered a free-kick which was headed in at the near post by Ian Xuereb.
The lead lasted only a few minutes, however, as Melita equalised on 10 minutes when a corner by Alan Borg Olivier curled directly into the net, leaving goalkeeper Adrian Parnis stranded.
Melita gradually took control of the match and turned the score around on 21 minutes. Kevin Moreno rose highest to meet a cross from Barone and powered a header past Parnis.
Despite Melita’s dominance, Xewkija had a golden chance to draw level before half-time when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but Brian Parada saw his effort saved by Sean Mintoff.
The second half was more subdued, with Xewkija pushing for an equaliser but struggling to create clear chances.
Melita sealed victory deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty after Gennaro Hili was sent off. Eric Mensah made no mistake from the spot to confirm a 3-1 win and send Melita into the final.
Birżebbuġa St Peter’s 2 SK Victoria Wanderers 1 (AET)
In the second semi-final, newly promoted Birżebbuġa St Peter’s were favourites against SK Victoria Wanderers, but the Gozitan side produced an excellent display and pushed their opponents all the way.
Victoria started strongly and created early openings, with Mustapha Amodou denied by James Pisani after breaking through on goal.
Birżebbuġa controlled much of the possession but found it difficult to break down an organised Victoria defence, while the Wanderers nearly took the lead before the break when Matthias Cordina’s effort clipped the post.
Victoria eventually moved ahead on 57 minutes when Amodou squared the ball to Ender Duvan Vielma, who rounded Pisani before finishing calmly.
They almost doubled their lead shortly afterwards, but Pisani produced important saves to keep Birżebbuġa in the contest.
The equaliser arrived on 71 minutes when Mosquera Torres unleashed a superb strike from outside the area that gave Samuel Camilleri no chance.
Both teams had opportunities to win the match in normal time, but neither could find the breakthrough, sending the tie into extra time.
Birżebbuġa pushed harder in the additional period and were repeatedly denied by Camilleri, who made several fine saves.
However, with penalties looming, Birżebbuġa snatched victory right on the 120th minute when Daniel Zerafa headed home from a free-kick to seal a dramatic 2-1 win and break Victoria Wanderers’ hearts.
Final Set
Melita and Birżebbuġa St Peter’s will now meet in the BOV Challenge Cup final after both sides came through contrasting but hard-fought semi-final victories.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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