Ħamrun Spartans players run in delight after defeating Floriana in a penalty shoot-out. Photo: Domenic Aquilina
FLORIANA 0
ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 0
(aet; Ħamrun Spartans win 4-2 on penalties)
FLORIANA
C. Mafoumbi, O. El Hasni, J. Grech, D. Vella (101 E. Mashike), J. Becerra (90 Z. Scerri), O. Spiteri, G. Gamarra, F. Sasere, A. Kouro, A. Garzia (90 G. Yameogo), Fernandinho.
ĦAMRUN SPARTANS
H. Bonello, S. Borg (96 E. Marcelina), S. Xerri (74 C. Menacho), J. Mbong, R. Prsa (113 R. Prsa), J. Cadenovic, Eder (96 D. Letherby), O. Bjelicic, R. Mihana (83 Talison), R. Camenzuli, R. Lopes Silva.
Henry Bonello was the hero for Ħamrun Spartans as the Malta goalkeeper saved two penalties in a penalty shoot-out to propel his team into the final of the Top Four following a 4-2 shoot-out victory over Floriana after the match ended in a goalless draw after extra-time.
It was a deserved victory for the Spartans who held the edge for much of Tuesday’s semi-final and created the better chances throughout but could not find a way past Floriana goalkeeper Christofer Mafoumbi.
As the match drifted into a penalty shoot-out, it was Bonello who took centre stage when he managed to save the penalties taken by Elvis Mashike and Gonzalo Gamarra, while the Spartans were perfect with Raphael Lopes Silva netting the winning penalty.
The reward for the Spartans is a final clash against Birkirkara on Saturday afternoon, where they will have the opportunity to retain their title for a third successive season.
Floriana coach Darren Abdilla effected one change to the team that drew against Birkirkara last week as Jork Becerra filled the void left by the suspended Matias Garcia.
Winston Muscat, the Ħamrun coach, also made one change as midfielder Eder filled the void left by his compatriot Elionay Freitas, who was serving a one-match ban.
Ħamrun Spartans created the first chance after eight minutes as Rehan Mihana, despite being with his back towards goal, adjusted his body and hit a rasping volley that Christofer Mafoumbi managed to push away.
Fernandinho was the first player to be shown the yellow card on 14 minutes when the Brazilian was punished after he dived inside the area under a challenge from Ognjen Bjelicic, with TV replays showing there was no contact with the ball.
Three minutes later, Mihana threatened again when he exchanged the ball with Raphael Lopes Silva, and the Brazilian hit a thumping drive that finished just wide.
The Spartans threatened again with another transition as Prsa sent Lopes Silva clear on the right and the Brazilian picked Eder inside the area, but was denied by Mafoumbi.
The match continued to be very physical with both sets of players committing several fouls, reflecting the high tension on the pitch, given the high stakes.
Seven minutes from the break, Bonello was alert to punch away Fernandinho’s delivery from a corner with the ball falling to Alexander Kouro, who fired over.
On 39 minutes, Lopes Silva’s cross almost picked Prsa inside the area, but Owen Spiteri was crucial in clearing the danger.
Ħamrun had a great chance to take the lead on 53 minutes when Ryan Camenzuli’s cross found Lopes Silva, but his downward header finished just over.
At the other end, Fernandinho made space for himself, but his shot finished wide.
On 56 minutes, Lopes Silva again turned provider when he fed Mbong, who, however, shot straight at Mafoumbi.
Mbong had another chance on 64 minutes when he was played clear, but he failed to control the ball well and was blocked by Mafoumbi.
Floriana finally threatened three minutes later, but Fernandinho fired well over.
On 74 minutes, Cesar Menacho was brought in for Sven Xerri as the Spartans were looking to boost their attacking department.
Five minutes from time, Prsa’s shot was blocked with the ball falling to substitute Talison who was blocked by Mafoumbi.
In stoppage time, Lopes Silva tries his luck from a distance, but Mafoumbi easily blocked as the match drifted into extra-time.
Ħamrun Spartans lost their skipper Steve Borg on 96 minutes to injury and was replaced by Emerson Marcelina while Daniel Letherby came on for Eder.
Three minutes later, Lopes Silva picked Menacho but his volley was pushed away by Mafoumbi.
Just before half-time of the first period of extra-time, Prsa delivered a cross from a free-kick and Cadenovic headed wide.
The second half of extra-time was devoid of chances, and inevitably the match headed to a penalty shoot-out.
Here, Henry Bonello took centre stage when he saved two penalties taken by Mashike and Gamarra before Lopes Silva drilled home the winning spot-kick to remain on course to successfully defend their title crown.
I find it very strange that in the penalty shoot-out, all players rushed to congratulate the last scorer, rather than their HERO goalkeeper, who saved two penalties….very ungrateful.
Joe Fitzpatrick
May 6, 2025 at 10:52 am
I find it very strange that in the penalty shoot-out, all players rushed to congratulate the last scorer, rather than their HERO goalkeeper, who saved two penalties….very ungrateful.