Holders Birkirkara were drawn to face Sliema Wanderers while Floriana will take on Gżira United as the draw of the IZIBET FA Trophy semi-finals were held on Sunday night.
Sunday’s draw have kept alive the hopes of an ‘Old Firm’ derby between Floriana and Sliema Wanderers in this year’s final, scheduled for May 12, as the two long-time rivals were kept up apart in the draw.
No doubt, there will be great expectations for the semi-final between Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara, two teams who are looking to secure more cup glory in this year’s edition.
Birkirkara, the defending champions after they had beaten Marsaxlokk in last year’s final, are bidding to retain the trophy and they are buoyed with their form in the cup which had seen them eliminate newly-crowned Premier League champions Ħamrun Spartans in a thrilling shoot-out last month.
On the other hand, Sliema Wanderers, who boast the status as the most successful team in the competition with 21 victories, level with Floriana, are determined to go all the way this season.
Their president Keith Perry has never hidden the fact that the FA Trophy is a special competitition for him and would love to see his players bring the trophy back to the club.
This season, Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers have met twice in the league with the Stripes coming out on top in their first league meeting 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Andrei Ciolacu while the return match ended in a goalless draw.
On the other hand, Floriana will be desperate to make up for the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title by winning this season’s cup competition.
Mauro Camoranesi’s lads are still licking their wounds after suffering a 5-0 thumping to Ħamrun Spartans in Saturday’s match that ended their hopes of winning their title.
The Greens will be aware of the challenge facing them as they take on a Gżira team who have already beaten them in the only meeting so far this season – 1-0.
Incidentally, the semi-final will come just a week after these two teams will meet again in their final Premier League fixture, where the Maroons are hoping to pick up points to avoid the drop.
The semi-final between Floriana and Gżira United will be played on May 7 while Birkirkara and Sliema face off the following day.
This year’s FA Trophy final will be played on Sunday, May 12.
