Defending champions Valletta St Paul’s booked their spot in the MAFA Knockout semifinals after a hard-fought 1–0 win over First Division titleholders Għaxaq Wolves in a dramatic quarter-final clash.
In a match packed with controversy and intensity, Għaxaq ended the game with just eight players on the pitch following three red cards. Despite creating multiple opportunities in the opening half, Għaxaq were repeatedly denied by Valletta’s in-form goalkeeper Ivan Valentin, who pulled off several key saves to keep his side in the game.
Tensions flared late in the first half when Valletta coach Kris Bugeja was sent off from the bench, shortly before Għaxaq’s Sebastian Nayar was also dismissed.
The second half brought more setbacks for Għaxaq, who lost striker Diego Fernando Pereira to injury, severely limiting their attacking options. Valletta seized the momentum in the 56th minute when Jerome Fiteni was brought down in the box by Alex Cloth. Ian Zammit stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Valletta the lead.
Għaxaq’s night worsened with the subsequent dismissals of Matteo Muscat and Diego Ovallos, leaving them with just eight men for the remainder of the match. Referee Igor Kankaras was at the center of the action throughout.
Marsa St Michael Rally to Defeat Qajjenza ACJ
Marsa St Michael also secured a semifinal berth after a commanding 4–1 victory over Qajjenza ACJ. Despite falling behind in the 27th minute to a goal by Ian James Blake, Marsa responded strongly in the second half.
Seedy Fofana led the comeback with a quick-fire brace, while Emerson Amaira and Shawn Vella added further goals to complete the turnaround. Referee Ray Tabone officiated the match.
Attard Edex Kings Upset Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers
Second Division side Attard Edex Kings pulled off an emphatic 4–0 upset over Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers, a First Division team recently relegated this season.
Attard took the lead in the 20th minute through Fayis Valiya Parambath. In the second half, goals from Miguel Ramires Acevedo, Ali Oularbi, and Kiran Das Vallikkattu sealed a memorable win. Jean Pierre Mifsud was the referee.
Penalty Heartbreak for San Ġiljan Saints Against Birżebbuġa
Last year’s finalists, San Ġiljan Saints, were knocked out in heartbreaking fashion following an 8–7 penalty shootout loss to Second Division side Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC. The match ended 2–2 after regular time, and neither side could find a winner in extra time.
Birżebbuġa started strongly, taking a 2–0 lead within the opening half hour thanks to goals from Oussama Boutayeb and David Chidera Esiofor. However, San Ġiljan responded through Julien Muller just before halftime, and Victor Sandy Paillot leveled the score in the second half.
Despite their efforts, the Saints fell short in the penalty shootout. Referee Peter Abela oversaw the encounter.
Semifinal Showdowns Set for Saturday
The MAFA KO semifinals will take place this Saturday at the Marsaxlokk Ground. The first clash sees Marsa St Michael take on Valletta St Paul’s at 4:15 PM, followed by an all-Second Division showdown at 6:00 PM between Birżebbuġa St Peter’s and Attard Edex Kings.
