Valletta and Birkirkara advance

Valletta FC and Birkirkara FC advanced to the last four of the Maltese Trophy with quarter-final victories on Sunday.

Late drama
Holders Valletta were made to work hard by Marsa FC, but eventually overpowered their opponents and ran out 3-1 winners with a dramatic extra-time victory at the National Stadium.

Red cards
Valletta's Edward Azzopardi and Marsa's Justin Tellus were both shown red cards in normal time, and the scoreline remained blank after 90 minutes. Valletta took the lead eleven minutes into extra time when Daniel Theuma converted from the penalty spot. Marsa were always in the game and it was no surprise when Minabo Asechemie levelled with a powerful header after 105 minutes.

Killer blow
Valletta then stepped up a gear and their determination not to relinquish their title saw them retake the lead when Chris Oretan scored eight minutes into the second half of extra time.  Marsa gave their all in search of an equaliser, but it was Valletta who struck the killer blow three minutes from full time, as Gilbert Agius dribbled past the Marsa goalkeeper and captain Jason Cordina tapped in to complete the scoring. Valletta now face Sliema Wanderers FC in their semi-final encounter next Thursday.

Birkirkara in charge
In the day's other quarter final, Birkirkara overcame the challenge of relegated Naxxar Lions FC with a resounding 4-0 win. Birkirkara dominated possession for long periods and took the lead after just nine minutes when Chucks Nwoko headed in Michael Galea's cross.

Okoh on target
Despite their incessant pressure, Birkirkara had to wait until the 52nd minute to extend their lead, as Michael Cutajar's shot deflected in off the unfortunate Julian Briffa. William Camenzuli made it 3-0 with a powerful drive 16 minutes later, before Chris Okoh powered a header past Naxxar goalkeeper Omar Borg 12 minutes from time. Birkirkara will play league champions Hibernians FC in their semi-final.