Żabbar St Patrick, Tarxien Rainbows and Mosta booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Jubilee Cup.
Żabbar set up a quarter-final clash with BOV Challenge League side Żebbuġ Rangers as they defeated Naxxar Lions 4-2.
Following a quiet start for the two teams, Naxxar forged ahead, but Żabbar were quick to equalise and eventually take the lead. The Lions restored equilibrium, but the Saints hit back with two goals to secure qualification to the next stage.
The two teams shared the exchanges in the opening minutes with the two goalkeepers hardly being tested.
However, Naxxar managed to take the lead on 24 minutes when Cedric Kontchou received an assist by Rosiel from the left and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jonathan Grech.
Żabbar levelled matters on 32 minutes courtesy of Haroun Tchaouna, who received the ball just outside the area and, with a well-placed shot from the left, beat goalkeeper Matthias Debono.
The Saints threatened once again on 40 minutes with a shot from inside the area by Tchaouna which was blocked by Matthias Debono and off the rebound, Toni Brito’s effort from the right was neutralised by the Naxxar custodian.
Żabbar took the lead on 47 minutes thanks to Ryan Scicluna whose fine rising shot from the right beat goalkeeper Debono.
Naxxar equalised on 63 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Toni Brito brought Rosiel down inside the area. A decision which was confirmed by FVS review and Gabriel Costa made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Four minutes later, Joao Victor released Vinicius on the right but the latter’s angled shot was neutralised by Grech.
The Saints regained the lead on 72 minutes when off a cross by Jurgen Pisani from the left, Mario Fontanella beat the Naxxar goalkeeper from close range.
Four minutes later, Żabbar added another to seal the issue. Fontanella provided the assist from the right and Pedro Cejas controlled before slotting the ball past Debono.
Naxxar replied with a Firmino header off a free kick by Pace Cocks on 81 minutes but his attempt was parried by Jonathan Grech.
Four minutes from time, the Saints were reduced to ten men as Strahinja Jovancic was sent off for elbowing. An incident confirmed by Football Video Support.
The Lions were unlucky to hit the upright with a Joao Moura freekick on 87 minutes but the ball, slightly deflected by the goalkeeper ended in a corner.
Tarxien Rainbows qualified for the next round of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup after defeating Gżira United 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the end of the 90 minutes.
It was a huge shot in the arm for the Rainbows as they were coming from a disappointing run in the league and will now proceed to the quarter-finals, where they will be facing Marsaxlokk.
The two teams shared the exchanges for long stretches. In fact, shots at goal were few and far between.
Timely block
Gżira were slightly better in the opening minutes and Andre tested Miguel Spiteri with a shot from outside the area on eight minutes and a minute later, Kante was unlucky to hit the foot of the upright with a shot from inside the area.
Tarxien replied with a cross by Gabriel Vella on 22 minutes with Wallisson Bahia having a close-range effort blocked by Karl Sargent and Nhaysson hit wide off the rebound.
On the half hour, Gżira managed to take the lead. David Xuereb received an assist from the right and hit a brilliant drive that flew into the net.
Tarxien coach Jacques Scerri opted for three changes in the beginning of the second half and although they improved, they were finding difficult to penetrate the Maroons’ rearguard.
However, the Rainbows were awarded a penalty on 62 minutes for a foul on Jai Quitongo. The decision was confirmed by FVS and Wallisson Bahia converted from the spot.
Tarxien were reduced to ten men a minute in added time after D’Alessandro received a second yellow card.
With the score still locked in a draw, the penalty shoot-out had to determine the winner.
Gabriel Bohrer Mentz scored the first penalty for Gżira and so did Erico Junior for Tarxien. Clayton Faila scored for Gżira and Rafael Tavares netted for the Rainbows.
David Xuereb and Wallison Bahia both scored and so did Jork Becerra and Marcus Grima. Johan Bonilla and Tavinho converted the fifth penalties.
Santiago Martinez and Andreas Vella scored the sixth.
Kante hit the crossbar and Gabriel Vella hit sky high.
Andy Borg had his attempt saved by Miguel Spiteri and Sheldon Mizzi scored to make it 7-6 and hand the Rainbows the win.
Mosta was the other team to progress yesterday but had to battle hard to see off Żurrieq in a penalty shoot-out at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The Blues had goalkeeper David Akpan sent off after 18 minutes of play and had to continue the next 70 minutes with a player less.
Żurrieq failed to make the most of their numerical advantage as the match finished in a goalless draw.
A penalty shoot-out was needed and here Mosta prevailed 6-5 to progress to the next round.
Mosta’s 17-year-old goalkeeper Jayden Farrugia saves the decisive penalty against Zurrieq.
