360Sports Malta Premier – Final 4
Semi-Final 2
FlorianaF.C……………2
Hamrun Spartans…..4 After Penalty shootout
Ħamrun Spartans are through to the final of the 360 Sports Malta Premier after holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to edge past Floriana 4–2, following a goalless draw after 120 minutes at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali.
In a match filled with commitment, tactical caution, and flashes of attacking threat, it was Ħamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello who emerged as the hero, producing two decisive saves during the shootout to deny Floriana a place in the final.
The match began with Ħamrun on the front foot. Redon Mihana forced an early save from Floriana shot-stopper Christoffer Mafoumbi, who would go on to be one of the busiest players on the pitch. Floriana’s most lively figure in the first half was winger Fernandinho, who drew fouls and tested the Ħamrun defence, but was also shown a yellow card for simulation just before the quarter-hour mark.
As the match wore on, both sides had half-chances. Lopes Silva and Ederson Bruno looked threatening for Ħamrun, with support from Joseph Mbong and Ryan Camenzuli down the flanks. On the other end, Franklin Sasere worked hard to get into dangerous positions, while Kourou and Garzia provided width for the Greens.
The match, however, was marked by resolute defending and two highly disciplined midfields that limited space in the final third. Steve Borg led Ħamrun’s backline until he was forced off injured in extra time, replaced by Emerson Marcelina. Floriana relied on the solid presence of Gonzalo Gamarra and Oualid El Hasni, while goalkeeper Mafoumbi made crucial saves to deny Menacho and Barbosa late in the game.
With fatigue setting in during extra time, Floriana’s Fernandinho and Sasere both suffered cramps, but continued to push as neither side was willing to settle for penalties. Still, a breakthrough would not come, and referee Fyodor Zammit’s final whistle sent the tie into a shootout.
Floriana opted to take the first penalty and got off to a good start through Fernandinho. However, their fortunes quickly turned. Elvis Mashike’s spot-kick was saved by Bonello, and after Cadenovic converted for Ħamrun, Gamarra also saw his effort denied by the Ħamrun goalkeeper. Mbong made it 3–1 for the Spartans, and although Jake Grech kept Floriana alive at 3–2, it was left to Lopes Silva to finish the job. He stepped up calmly and sent his penalty into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Ħamrun faithful.
Ħamrun’s victory was a testament to their mental strength and organisation under pressure. They now await the winner of the other semi-final between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers, as they look to add silverware to their campaign.
Referee: Fyodor Zammit
Line-ups
Floriana: Christoffer Mafoumbi, Oualid El Hasni, Jake Grech, Dunstan Vella, Jork Becerra Portocarrero, Owen Spiteri, Gonzalo Julian Gamarra, Franklin Sasere, Alexandros Kourou, Aleandro Garzia, José Fernandinho Gomes Junior.
Ħamrun Spartans: Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Sven Xerri, Ryan Camenzuli, Ognjen Bjelicic, Roko Prša, Jovan Cadenovic, Joseph Mbong, Redon Mihana, Domingos Ederson Bruno, Raphael Lopes Silva.
