Meridianbet FA Trophy – Round of 16
Swieqi United….2
Naxxar Lions…..4
Naxxar Lions secured their place in the quarter finals of the Meridianbet FA Trophy with a convincing 4–2 victory over Swieqi United and will now face Żurrieq, who eliminated Birżebbuġa St Peter’s, in the next round.
Naxxar made a strong start and took the lead after just six minutes, when a low cross from the left found Pahama, who finished clinically into the net.Swieqi responded in the 26th minute through a corner kick, with Attard unleashing a powerful effort that forced goalkeeper Debono into a fine save.
The Lions doubled their advantage in the 34th minute, as Pahama picked up the ball inside the box from the right and selflessly squared for Ferreira de Jesus, who made no mistake from close range.
A minute later, Swieqi goalkeeper Ellul Ruggier produced an excellent stop to deny Ferreira de Jesus, who had headed goalwards from a right sided corner.
Swieqi continued to push forward before the interval, with Attard and Asante both threatening, though Naxxar’s defence held firm to preserve their two-goal lead at half-time.
At the start of the second half, Naxxar coach Winston Muscat made an immediate tactical change, introducing Gauci in place of Letherby.
The substitution paid instant dividends, as Naxxar struck again in the 46th minute. A swift move down the left ended with Ferreira de Jesus laying the ball off for Souza dos Santos, who fired past Ellul Ruggier from the edge of the area.
Three minutes later, Pahama was brought down inside the penalty area by Ellul Ruggier, prompting referee Grech to award a spot kick. Following Swieqi’s Video Support review request, the original decision stood, and Moura Cardoso confidently converted from the penalty spot to make it 4–0.
Swieqi made a series of substitutions in an attempt to revive their challenge, while Naxxar continued to manage the tempo of the match.
Ferreira de Jesus came close to extending the lead in the 73rd minute, striking the upright with a powerful central effort before firing narrowly wide minutes later.
Swieqi nearly pulled a goal back in the 78th minute, when captain Fenech tested substitute goalkeeper Vella, whose deflection sent the ball onto the crossbar.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute, when Mawuena controlled the ball inside the area and found the net from the right.
Two minutes later, Okle added a second for Swieqi after finishing from close range, reducing the deficit but too late to alter the outcome.
Despite Swieqi’s late resurgence, Naxxar Lions remained in control for most of the encounter, showcasing attacking efficiency and composure to seal a deserved passage into the last eight.
