Watch: Valletta fight back to beat Gżira United and lift the FA Trophy for 15th time

VALLETTA     2

Azzopardi 64

Mbende 68

GŻIRA UNITED         1

Maia 34

Valletta FC crowned a memorable season when they came from a goal down to beat Gżira United 2-1 and lift the FA Trophy at the National Stadium.

It was a remarkable turnaround to a match which had seen Gżira United hold the edge for much of the first half and deservedly took the lead through Andre Pena Da Costa’s fine strike.

However, after the break the Citizens stepped up a gear and quick-fire goals from Jake Azzopardi and Emmanuel Mbende sealed a crucial victory to hand the team their 15th success in the competition.

The FA Trophy success is the second cup triumph for Valletta this season after last December they lifted the Jubilee Cup.

Valletta had started brightly, and after nine minutes, they should have taken the lead.

Yuri Messias burst inside the area, but his control of the ball was not perfect, and in came Andrea Zammit, who saw his shot saved in two attempts by Edoardo Colombo.

At the other end, the woodwork denied Gżira United an opener when, from a short corner, the ball fell to Maxuell Samurai, who sped inside the area, and his angled drive hit the upright with  Maringa beaten.

On 23 minutes, Maringa had to be alert to block Gabriel Mentz’s towering header after the Malta international was set up by a fine Clayton Failla cross.

Gżira’s quick transitions were hurting Valletta, and two minutes later, Andy Borg sped inside the area, and his angled drive was pushed away by Maringa. The ball fell onto the feet of Maia, who saw his shot cleared off the line by Emanuel Mbende.

Valletta failed to heed these warning signs and Gżira United found the breakthrough they deserved.

Maxuell Maia sent a fine pass towards Andre Pena Da Costa who powered inside the area and hit a low shot that rolled past Maringa and into the net via the upright.

Valletta tried to hit back, but they only came close on 44 minutes when Diogo Tavares’ cross was met by Yannick Yankam who headed straight into the hands of Colombo.

On the restart, Valletta coach Thane Micallef withdrew Yannick Yankam and roped in Nigerian forward Ahmed Adebayo, a change which saw the team switch to a 4-3-3 configuration with Andrea Zammit moved to the left flank.

Valletta started to dominate proceedings but had to wait until the hour mark to threaten.

Tavares’ cross was controlled by Andrea Zammit inside the area, and the young forward fed Yuri Messias, who saw his shot blocked by Riascos.

But Valletta were not to be denied as on 63 minutes they levelled matters.

Yuri Messias chipped the ball inside the area, Radic nodded the ball towards Jake Azzopardi, who hit a thumping volley that flew into the net.

Gżira looked rattled and Valletta struck again five minutes later.

Goalkeeper Colombo made a hash in his attempt to block Tavares’ long pass inside the area and the ball fell to Mbende who had the easiest of tasks to tap home and send the Valletta fans into a frenzy.

VALLETTA

A. Maringa, S. Borg, A. Zammit (70 M. Ellul), B. Paiber, J. Azzopardi, D. Tavares, Y. Yankam (46 A. Adebayo), E. Mbende (86 S. Brewer), Y. Messias (81 J. Mendoza), S. Radic, T. Aldama.

GŻIRA UNITED

E. Colombo, G. Bohrer, D. Abela, A. Borg (70 F. Virgens), B. Borg (59 S. Bastic), A. Pena Da Costa, M. Maia, C. Failla, L. Riascos, I. N’Sa (81 J. Bonilla), D. Xuereb.

Referee Philip Farrugia.

Yellow cards A. Borg, Failla.