Qormi bounced back from last weekend’s promotion disappointment in emphatic fashion after defeating Victoria Hotspurs 4-0 to win the sixth edition of the BOV National Amateur Cup at the Centenary Stadium.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, the final proved highly competitive for long stretches, with both sides showing why they have been among the strongest teams in Maltese amateur football this season.
Qormi reached the final after overcoming Mellieħa, Dingli Swallows, Lija Athletic and Pembroke Athleta, while Victoria Hotspurs advanced past St Lawrence Spurs, Qrendi, Kirkop United and Mqabba.
Qormi coach Clive Mizzi was forced into a late reshuffle after regular goalkeeper Deisler Vella suffered an injury, handing 17-year-old Shason Borg his senior debut.
Victoria coach Oliver Spiteri also had selection problems, with suspended trio Shaun Attard, Dejan Vukovic and Kurt Borg all unavailable.
Qormi started positively despite playing against a strong wind, although clear opportunities were limited during the opening stages.
Victoria nearly broke the deadlock on 34 minutes when Christian Saint Ebisindor somehow headed wide from close range after connecting with a precise cross from Christian Mercieca.
Qormi immediately threatened at the other end as Neil Tabone set up John Awori, but the Nigerian striker miskicked with only goalkeeper Steve Sultana to beat.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes before half-time. After Sultana failed to gather a dangerous delivery from Awori, Emmanuel Garba saw his effort deflected behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Victoria failed to clear their lines and Emerson Vella reacted quickest to head Qormi into the lead.
Victoria almost levelled in stoppage time when Rondinely rattled the crossbar following a clever free-kick routine involving Ferdinando Apap.
The second half became increasingly physical, but Qormi maintained control and nearly doubled their lead on 68 minutes when Sultana produced an excellent save to deny Garba.
Moments later, however, the striker got his reward as he rose superbly to head home a cross from Dale Mifsud and make it 2-0.
Qormi soon took complete command of the match. Garba again played a key role when he surged forward before setting up substitute Ayrton Azzopardi, who finished clinically for the Canaries’ third goal.
Azzopardi nearly added another soon after when his free-kick struck the post, while Sultana reacted sharply to deny Carlos Debattista from the rebound.
Victoria pushed forward late on in search of a consolation goal, but Qormi remained dangerous on the counterattack. In stoppage time, young goalkeeper Borg crowned an impressive debut with an excellent save to deny Rondinely and seal a memorable triumph for the Canaries.
Previous BOV National Amateur Cup Winners
- 2024/25 – Victoria Hotspurs
- 2023/24 – Mġarr United
- 2022/23 – Żabbar St Patrick
- 2021/22 – Żabbar St Patrick
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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