The curtain will fall on the Maltese football season this Sunday as Hibernians and Birkirkara go head-to-head in the final of the Meridianbet FA Trophy. The match kicks off at 18:30 at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali and promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two clubs looking to end the season with silverware, and in Hibernians’ case, with European qualification.
Both sides earned their place in the final with hard-fought 2-1 victories in the semi-finals. Hibernians overcame Malta Premier League champions Hamrun Spartans in a gritty encounter. Jürgen Degabriele gave them the lead, and Veila doubled their advantage from the penalty spot before Hamrun pulled one back in the second half but failed to equalise. Birkirkara, meanwhile, bounced back from their heartbreaking defeat in the league final by overcoming Floriana. Midfielder Gaitán opened the scoring before Maxuell Maia netted the winner to send the Stripes into their second major final in just over a week.
For Hibernians, the final represents not just a chance to lift a trophy but their only route into European competition after a disappointing league campaign saw them finish in the bottom six. Coach Branko Nisevic, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, admitted the significance of the occasion. “Needless to say, it is such an important game. The mental aspect of the players is clear, and from the club’s side is clear. I think this game has more weight for us than for Birkirkara. We are also aware that any aspect of preparation, including our time in the bottom six, is significant. Physically, I tried to rotate the team and give chances to everyone to be fit enough to approach this game.”
Captain Bjorn Kristensen spoke of the emotional weight of the final and the chance to make amends for a turbulent season. “Winning a trophy is always special, and all the wrongs that were done during the season can be made right in one game. This game means everything to us players. We need to give our best. I want to thank the supporters who are there in good and bad times, and our families who support us. This would be a win for everyone.”
Birkirkara, meanwhile, are looking to put the disappointment of the Premier League final defeat to Hamrun Spartans behind them. Coach Stefano De Angelis admitted the impact of that result was heavy, but praised his players for how they responded in the semi-final. “The awareness after losing the final was strong. It was a tough blow, but we reacted well against Floriana. The players made sacrifices, and they had a lot of frustration inside after losing in such a painful way from a corner kick. Now the level is very high. In terms of quality, Hibernians are a physical team and quite solid. We know we must approach the match with intensity.”
Striker and captain Alex Satariano underlined the team’s renewed focus. “Yes. Last week was very disappointing, but now we are motivated because we have a chance to win something.”
On the pitch, Hibernians will once again rely on the attacking threat of Jurgen Degabriele, while the physical presence of Khevin Rodrigo Fraga in midfield and the leadership of Kristensen will be key. Birkirkara’s chances may hinge on the influence of Maxuell Maia, the vision of Gaitán, and the attacking mobility of Satariano, who will aim to break through the Hibernians’ defence.
Tactically, both sides are likely to keep things compact and disciplined early on, with transition play and individual quality expected to make the difference. Neither team enters the final as outright favourites, and that balance could set the stage for a dramatic and emotional contest.
For Birkirkara, it is a shot at redemption. For Hibernians, it is a final lifeline. With pride, history and a place in Europe on the line, the Meridianbet FA Trophy Final is set to deliver one of the season’s most compelling matches.
