Birkirkara lead Floriana 1-0 at half-time in the Meridianbet FA Trophy semi-final, courtesy of a well-taken 25th-minute header by Pablo Gaitán.
The breakthrough came when Birkirkara launched a swift attack down the flank, ending with a precise cross into the box. Gaitán rose above the Floriana defence and guided his header past the goalkeeper to give the Stripes a deserved lead.
Birkirkara looked sharp and organised in the first half, applying steady pressure and limiting Floriana’s opportunities in front of goal. Floriana, on the other hand, struggled to settle into the match and will need a much-improved second-half display to turn the game around. It was only in the last minute of injury time that Floriana went close to an equaliser through Sassere.
With a spot in the final on the line, the second half promises high drama as Birkirkara look to protect their advantage and Floriana push for an equaliser.
