Seven teams secured their place in the first round of the Meridianbet FA Trophy after emerging victorious in the Preliminary Round matches held on Saturday.
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Valletta staged a comeback to defeat Nadur Youngsters, a team from Gozo, with a final score of 3-1 after extra time. Andre Martins opened the scoring for Nadur on the 23rd minute, but James Scicluna equalized for Valletta five minutes into the second half, leading to extra time. Timilehin Caleb Akande gave Valletta the lead eleven minutes into the first half of extra time, and an own goal in added time sealed the victory for Valletta.
Meanwhile, Zebbug Rangers had an easy victory over Oratory Youths, another team from Gozo, with a commanding scoreline of 6-1 at the Sirens Stadium. Salem Ayinde Adeyemi wasted no time and put Zebbug Rangers ahead just eight seconds into the match. Leigh Camilleri doubled their lead on the 5th minute, followed by Duvan Mosquera’s goal four minutes later to make it 3-0. Johann Bezzina converted a penalty on the 18th minute to further extend Zebbug’s lead. Vitor Gabriel managed to reduce the deficit for Oratory Youths by converting a penalty on the 37th minute, but Zebbug responded with two more goals from Andrey Attard on the 53rd minute and Johann Bezzina on the 84th minute.
Gozitan team SK Victoria Wanderers caused a major upset by defeating Mgar United with a 3-2 victory at the Luxol Stadium. On the 8th minute, Igor Henrique scored the opening goal, followed by Matthias Cordina doubling the lead on the 17th minute. However, Mgarr fought back strongly with Vivi-Gaetan Mahop scoring two goals on the 22nd and 43rd minute. Nevertheless, David Emmanuel Garba secured the winning goal for Victoria Wanderers on the hour mark.
Sirens emerged victorious with a 3-1 win against Santa Lucia at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Jean Borg scored two goals on the 51st and 93rd minute, while Thiago Nonato added another goal on the 69th minute. Jamie Nicholl temporarily reduced the gap with a goal on the 89th minute.
Victoria Hotspurs, from Amateur League 2, comfortably won 3-0 against Senglea Athletic from Challenge League at the Sirens Stadium. Emmanuel Mbong scored on the 5th and 57th minute, with Shaun Attard adding another goal on the 61st minute.
In a goalless draw between Swieqi United and Mtarfa at the Luxol Stadium, Swieqi United emerged as winners with an 8-7 victory in the penalty shoot-out after ninety minutes of regular time and extra-time.
Tarxien Rainbows and Mellieha, from Amateur League 1, faced each other at the Centenary Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time and extra-time. The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out.
Following a scoreless opening half, Gabriel Mensah broke the deadlock for Tarxien just two minutes into the second half. However, Christian Grech managed to equalize on the 56th minute. Eventually, Mellieha emerged victorious in the penalty shoot-out, winning 4-3.
These seven teams will be joining the Fgura United, Gudja United, Lija Athletic, Marsa, Pieta’ Hotspurs, St. Andrews, and Zurrieq sides from the BOV Challenge League, as well as the Attard and Qrendi teams from the IZIBET Amateur League 1 and BOV Amateur Cup semi-finals. Additionally, the Ghajnsielem, Qala Saints, Xaghra United, and Xewkija Tigers from the BOV Gozo Football League First Division have also been awarded a bye. All of these teams, along with the twelve teams from the 360Sports Malta Premier, will be participating in the first round of the Meridianbet FA Trophy scheduled for January 10-12.
