Birkirkara, Gżira United avoid each other in FA Trophy semi-final draw

Stripes face Mosta, Maroons take on Marsaxlokk

Birkirkara and Gżira United remained on course to meet in this year’s FA Trophy final when they avoided each other in the draws of the Izibet FA Trophy semi-finals.

The Stripes, who this week ensured their return to European football after securing the runners-up spot in the Premier League, were drawn to face Mosta in the opening semi-final while Gżira United will be up against Marsaxlokk.

On paper, the Stripes, who on their way to the semi-finals, have the toughest task when compared to the Maroons.

In fact, Birkirkara, who ousted Balzan and newly-crowned champions Ħamrun Spartans on their way to the semi-finals, will be up against a Mosta team who are still battling for a top-three finish in the Premier League this season and have upstaged some big guns this season.

The two teams have met twice in the Premier League this season with Mosta winning the first-round clash 2-1 with the return match ending in a 1-1 draw.

On the other hand, Gżira United face Marsaxlokk, the dark horses of this year’s competition, who in the previous round secured the scalp of Hibernians courtesy of a spectacular strike from Leandro Aguirre.

In this year’s league meetings, the first-round clash finished in a goalless draw, while the Maroons won the second round clash 3-0.

The two semi-finals are set to be played on April 25 and 26 at the National Stadium, while the final is scheduled for Sunday, April 30.