The second semi-final of the FA Trophy competition will be played this afternoon at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium (kick-off 5pm) with last year’s finalists, Marsaxlokk facing Msida St Joseph.

It is probably both sides’ second appearance in the semi-finals of the competition and both will be eager to make it to the final which could offer them the chance to play European football next season.

That also depended on yesterday’s result of the other semi-final between Sliema and Birkirkara. In fact, a victory for Sliema means that the winners of today’s clash will be in next year’s UEFA Cup as Sliema are already in the Champions League. But if Birkirkara were the winners, then Marsaxlokk or Msida would have to win the Trophy to make sure of their berth in the UEFA Cup next season.

Whatever the outcome, both sides are expected to make history if they win. For Msida, it will be their first final in a major competition, while for Marsaxlokk, it will be their second consecutive final in the Trophy after having broken the duck last season. They were beaten 2-0 by Sliema in the final.

Both sides will be looking eagerly for a victory and it is a well known fact that the two foreign coaches, Bulgarian Atanas Marinov of Marsaxlokk and Italian Mario Petrone of Msida, have been working hard throughout the past week to get their players motivated and in the best shape possible.

A keenly fought match is anticipated. Although Marsaxlokk might be considered firm favourites because they have more experienced players among their ranks, among them their latest Under 21 recruitments Sean Bajada, Shaun Tellus, Andre Schembri and Cleaven Frendo, they will do well not to ignore the Saints’ threat who, in a player of the calibre of Daniel Nwoke, also have a potential match-winner.