The three Nigerians in Msida's possession are surely an asset no other premier team can boast of. And they confirmed this yesterday. Although they did not play their best match of the season the three proved to be the turning point in this match as they all scored to make it a double for Msida over the champions after their first round 5-2 drubbing.

The match had its good moments with two goals in the opening minutes. But when Msida took the lead at the start of the second half, it looked obvious that the champions were heading towards another debacle. The inclusion of Michael Galea and William Camenzuli failed to modify the Stripes' fortunes – the closest they could get was through a Gallovich close range shot that hit the post

After their dismal display against Marsa, Msida welcomed back Babatunde, but were still without the suspended Pullicino, and Roderick Baldacchino, with coach Patrick Curmi giving a vote of confidence to Adrian Farrugia and Dino Cachia in midfield.

The champions were still in a depleted formation, having to do without Paradiso, Camenzuli and Michael Galea. Coach Azzopardi fielded Gallovich and Scicluna as central defenders with Lino Galea and Sammut on the flanks. Dario Larossa partnered Triganza in attack, with Barbara, Mallia, Calascione and Bonnici in midfield.

The match had a great start with two goals scored in the first eight minutes. On three minutes Etienne Barbara made his way inside the area with a series of dazzling dribbles, only to have his shirt pulled by Farrugia for an obvious penalty. From the dreaded spot Barbara sent Omar Borg the wrong way.

The Stripes' joy was short lived as Msida equalised five minutes later. It was a simple Nigerian move with all three Msida assets involved. Zongo passed to Babatunde who found Daniel Nwoke completely unmarked in front of Bledzewski and the Msida striker had no difficulty in scoring his eighth goal this season.

After this explosive start both teams settled down, with play mainly in midfield, even though the match continued to be very interesting and pleasant to watch. On 25 minutes Babatunde showed all his class when he ripped the champions’ defence with a perfect pass, but both Nwoke and Fenech failed to connect in front of goal. On 32 minutes Etienne Barbara brought the best out of Omar Borg with a long range dipper with the Msida custodian tipping into a corner.

As was the case of the first half, the second half started with a bang as Msida went ahead on 49 minutes. Paul Fenech beat the offside trap from the right flank and passed to the onrushing Babatunde who slammed the ball home.

Six minutes later Birkirkara were very unlucky when an Etienne Barbara cross was headed by Larossa towards Gallovich who hit the upright from close range. Msida hit back with a Paul Fenech effort going inches wide. The same player tested Bledzewski minutes later.

On 72 minutes Omar Borg effected a brilliant save off a Larossa close range header. On 84 minutes Nwoke and Babatunde made a swift move with the latter's grounder saved by Bledzewski.

Five minutes from time Bonnici received his second booking and was sent off. Bledzewski kept the champions in the game when he blocked a point blank shot from Dino Cachia.

On 91 minutes Msida sealed the issue with the third and most spectacular goal of the lot. Babatunde passed to Zongo who dribbled past Kenneth Scicluna and from an acute angle managed to beat Bledzewski for an incredible goal.