A Daniel Nwoke goal in the 72nd minute of the match gave Msida a very important victory over Hibernians in the first quarter final of the trophy competition.

It was probably a surprise result and a dismal one for Hibernians who were hoping to advance in this competition given their form in the league.

However, they were surprised by a sturdy Msida who defended well and operated on counter attacks proving difficult to penetrate and with Omar Borg performing heroics in goal.

The Paolites had more possession but they paid a high price for many a missed chance especially in the second half when they were always in command. On the other hand, Msida, hit hard when it mattered most. They procured the better chances in the first half but when it seemed as if they were about to wilt under pressure, Nwoke scored the winner which place them in the semi-final and rewards their investments following what they might consider a disappointing result in the league.

It was a poor first half as both Hibernians and Msida tried to come to grips with the slippery Ta’ Qali surface following the morning rainfall. However, as the sun went out, the condition of the pitch improved even though play remained rather erratic.

Msida defended well in the first half and operated on fast counter attacks proving to be more dangerous then the more-quoted Hibernians. In fact they had the better chances and Hibernians could rarely if ever pierce open the solid Msida defence led by Manuel Boni and Daniel Theuma.

In fact, Chukunyere, Scerri and Zahra were never given a glimpse of goal. In midfield, Msida contained Hibernians forays and better ball possession helping also in defence and when Msida ventured forward. Kevin Sammut and Roderick Bajada were both prominent in this regard.

Although Hibernians were in command in the opening minutes of the match, Msida were the first to create a possible scoring chance. Johan Zammit attempted a shot from outside the area but his effort was central and Hibs goalkeeper Mario Muscat could neutralise without much difficulty.

At the other end, Hibs went extremely close 10 minutes later when Cohen served Scerri with a good ball and the Hibernians striker hit well but the ball inched just wide.

Roderick Bajada then tested goalkeeper Muscat with a low long range shot but he was well positioned and saved with ease.

Moments later, in the 40th minute, Msida went extremely close when a good move between Zammit and Micallef ended with the latter passing to Nwoke who alone inside the area skied the ball well over the bar when in a very good position.

On the change of ends, Omar Borg denied Cohen with a fine save after the Hibernians striker had beaten two players from the left side and entered the centre of the penalty area perilously.

The Paolites continued to pile up the pressure in search of a goal and Chukunyere down the right crossed to Scerri who headed the ball badly when in front of goal.

Hibernians wasted an incredible opportunity in the 57th minute when they found themselves in numerical superiority after a fast counter attack. But Pullicino failed to capitalise from Cohen’s pass to the dismay of the Paolites.

At the other end off a Micallef cross, Nwoke attempted to head towards goal but his effort was blocked by Xuereb to corner.

Hibernians were again close on two occasions. First, a Failla long distance shot was saved by Borg and then Chukunyere took a ball from Boni, entered the area but hit over the bar from a good position.

The Paolites paid dearly for that mistake. At the other end in the 72nd minute, Nwoke was served inside the area by Bajada. He controlled the ball splendidly, rounded a defender and then hit low past Muscat to put Msida in the lead.

And soon after, Nwoke again was close to scoring a second with a good shot from long range which was saved by Muscat.

Hibernians tried to get back into the game and were unlucky in the 79th minute when off a Failla cross, Scerri headed well but the ball thumped against the post.

The Paolites continued to press and another Failla shot was saved with difficulty by Omar Borg.

Msida could have put their minds at rest two minutes into added time when substitute Farrugia all alone in front of goal hit wide when he was served with a goal on a plate.

Despite Hibernians’ final forcing and pressure, the Msida defence kept compact with the safe Omar Borg giving confidence to his side with his good handling thus enabling Msida to secure a semi-final birth in the trophy.