Four teams are set to compete in the Meridianbet FA Trophy Semi-Finals at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali today. Gżira United, Naxxar Lions, Valletta and Birkirkara will all be fighting for a place in the Final.
Gżira take on Naxxar in the first match at 13:45, followed by Valletta against Birkirkara at 17:30.
All four clubs held a press conference on Thursday, where their representatives admitted that preparation had been tricky, with several players only just returning from international duty. That said, the break also gave some previously injured players time to recover.
Birkirkara boss Paul Zammit, who recently returned to the club, said the three-week gap between matches had been useful for rebuilding the squad and developing the team’s identity.
Each side took a different route to the last four. Gżira beat St Andrews, Hibernians and Mosta, while Naxxar saw off Marsa, Swieqi and Żurrieq. Valletta edged past Pembroke, Tarxien and Hamrun, and Birkirkara got through Victoria Wanderers, Pietà and Żabbar.
All four managers stressed the importance of fan support, with the Valletta and Birkirkara coaches noting that the rivalry between the two sides always makes for a special occasion.
