Marsaxlokk beat Ħamrun Spartans to set up Finalissima showdown with Floriana

It was a real show of character from Marsaxlokk, who played diligently throughout, as after taking the lead through a Minala penalty, they defended well and looked set to hold on to their lead.

However, Ħamrun managed to equalise with a minute to go to force extra-time.

That setback failed to derail Marsaxlokk, who went on the offensive in extra-time and gained a second penalty, which was again converted by Minala.

This time, the Southerners managed to close out shop as they managed to deny to their more lofty opponents a sniff on goal to secure an historic win that not only puts them in the final but also guarantees a return to European football.

In the second semi-final, Marsaxlokk showed no signs of an inferiority complex as they almost struck inside the first two minutes when Niki Muscat’s deflected shot finished just over the bar with Henry Bonello beaten.

Ħamrun tried to hit back, but they had to wait until the 23rd minute when Klebi Serber’s cross was met by Joseph Mbong, who headed over.

On 35 minutes, Marsaxlokk were awarded a penalty after they asked for a Football Video Support review for Polito’s push on Enrico Pepe and referee Glen Tonna pointed to the spot.

Minala stepped up and made no mistake from the spot.

Three minutes from the break, Ħamrun used their Football Video Support review for a Minala challenge on Eder, but the referee stood by his decision of not awarding a penalty.

Ħamrun finally threatened in stoppage time when Mbong found Ceter but his effort finished just wide.

The Spartans were unlucky on 53 minutes when Guillaumier’s delivery from a free-kick almost caught Maffoumbi by surprise as the ball hit the upright before Marsaxlokk cleared the danger.

Nine minutes later, Guillaumier picked Mbong on the edge of the area but his effort was deflected just wide.

Ħamrun’s pressure was relentless, and 12 minutes from time, Ceter’s shot just whizzed past the upright.

The Spartans’ pressure finally paid off two minutes from time when Jonny’s cross found Eleke at the far post, and the Nigerian nodded the ball into the path of Garcia, who headed home to force extra-time.

But Marsaxlokk fought back in extra-time, and after five minutes they were awarded a second penalty when Dodo was brought down inside the area by Polito and Tonna, after a Football Video Support review, pointed to the spot.

For the second time, Minala kept his cool to restore his team’s lead.

Marsaxlokk could have killed off the match two minutes later when Isaac Christie-Davies stormed clear but was denied by Bonello.

Ħamrun tried to respond but they only had a swerving shot from Inzouine to show that was turned to a corner by Maffoumbi.