Holders Valletta St Paul’s managed to progress to the semi-finals of the Next Auto Car Sales MAFA KO after beating second division side Zebbuġ Youngsters 5-2.
Despite the difference in the category, the Youngsters gave a game to the Citizens who, despite everything, showed their experience in these types of competitions and emerged victorious.
First Division league top scorer Elton Da Silva and Sebastian Morales scored two goals each with Roberty Felix adding another for the St Paul’s side.
Sean Lanzon and Tijane Sowe reduced the scoring margin for Zebbug Youngsters.
Referee: Reno Galea.
Ta Giorni Wanderers pulled off one of the biggest surprises of this competition after beating Għaxaq Wolves 3-2.
The Wanderers managed to turn the score into their favour as they showed an aggressive style of play in the second half that stunned their opponents.
Għaxaq went on top after 20 minutes through an own goal by Jonathan Xuereb but Ta’ Giorni equalized eight minutes later through Daniel Neeraj Bharwani.
In the second half, the game was an entertaining one and it was Għaxaq again who took the lead through Diego Fernando Pereira.
When everything seemed that the Wolves were going to get the qualification, Ta’ Ġiorni made a dramatic comeback as they equalized through Daniel Neeraj Bharwani with Leonardo Radicchi giving the qualification for his team when he scored the a winning goal four minutes from the end of the match.
Referee: Gjorgji Bitri.
In a game between two teams from the First Division, San Ġiljan Saints beat San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy 3-1.
The St Julian’s side had a good performance in this game although the French team kept hoping to get something in this match where it was only at the end that they surrendered.
The Saints went ahead two minutes from the end of the first half through Robert Veskimae.
In the second half, Ionut Popescu made it 2-0 in the 47th minute although a minute later San Ġwann reduced the score margin through Georges Agbohoun.
The Saints made sure of the qualification on injury time through Aleks Peletic.
Referee: Mark Azzopardi.
Senglea Gunners overcame the disappointment of their relegation to the second division after beating Bugibba Club de SWAT 2-1 to make it to the last four of the competition.
By the end of the first half, Bugibba were on top through Moidu Shamshad Azumangad but in the second half the Senglea side turned defeat into a win with goals from Elvis Johnson in the 37th minute and Juan Zarate in the 50th minute.
Referee: Peter Abela.
The semi-finals of the Next Auto Car Sales MAFA KO will be played next Saturday with this programme of matches:
Marsaxlokk Ground
4.15pm – San Ġiljan Saints – Ta’ Giorni Wanderers
6pm – Valletta St Paul’s – Senglea Gunners.
Valletta St Paul's progress to semi finals of Next Auto Sales MAFA KO, Ta' Giorni Wanderers cause huge upset
