Meridianbet FA Trophy
Last 16
Gozo Stadium, Xewkija, 04.02.2025
Qala Saints……..0
Hibernians…….. 3
Hibernians had no difficulty in disposing of the last remaining Gozitan side, Qala Saints in the Meridianbet FA Trophy Last 16 whom they dismissed by three goals to nil at the Gozo Stadium in Xewkija.
Hibernians were expecting nothing less than a victory against Qala Saints in the first match from the Last 16 of the Meridianbet FA Trophy. The Paolites were coming from a good win in the 360Sports Malta Premier against Sliema Wanderers whilst Qala saw their long-term lead in the Gozo Football League First Division vanish.
Hibernians went ahead after just five minutes when they were awarded a penalty after a hands ball by Kevin Farrugia. Owen Attard managed to save Alex De Souza’s penalty but Lucas Vilella managed to shoot home from the rebound. Hibs continued pressing forward, totally dominating the game with a header by Rodrigo Fraga deflected for a corner after 14 minutes.
Although Hibernians continued creating chances, Qala had an opportunity of their own when Gabriel Cardona was in the clear but his effort was saved by Pablo Sanchez. But the Paolites doubled on 40 minutes when a fine cross found Lucas Vilella who made no mistake this time with a strong header.
Hibernians put the game to bed 4 minutes into the second half when De Souza Silva made amends for his earlier penalty miss to smash the ball home from a rebound. Hibernians were in complete control after that creating several more scoring chances.
