Zejtun C.-Rabat Ajax 2-0
(after extra-time)
After winning the Second Division League, Zejtun Corinthians completed a double as they won the Knock-Out competition for the second year running.
Rabat gained the initiative during the first period but it was Zejtun who created the first opportunity as a Silvio Sciberras’ corner-kick was headed on by Jason Cachia with William Borg clearing the ball off the goal line.
In the 7th minute Rabat were unlucky as a shot by David Azzopardi hit the foot of the post with the Corinthians coming back in the 32nd minute as a shot by Oldi Majtara finished just wide.
Then Rabat were close through Joseph Caruana and on another occasion an attempt by Adam Smeir was well saved by the Zejtun keeper Ranier Farrugia.
Just before the break Zejtun replied through a shot by Oldi Majtara which just missed the target.
After the break the match was a balanced affair with Rabat going close in the 59th minute as the Zejtun keeper came out of his post to anticipate the Ajax striker Adam Smeir.
Ten minutes later Zejtun had a shot by Kenneth Abela which finished just high over the bar and in the 78th minute they were again close through Jesmar Abela.
Seven minutes from time Rabat’s prolific scorer Justin Felice wasted a clear opportunity, shooting just high from close-range.
During the first-half of extra-time, play ensued in the midfield sector, with no actions on both goals.
After the resumption, Zejtun gained the initiative and took the lead in the 108th minute through an angled shot by Oldi Majtara following good work by Heathcliffe Schembri.
Rabat’s reply produced an Adam Smeir free-kick which just missed the target but three minutes from time Zejtun sealed the issue as a good move by Oldi Majtara allowed Kenneth Abela to get the second goal.
At the end of the match, Zejtun’s captain Charlo Magro was presented with the Cup by MFA Vice-President Alex Manfre, amidst the huge celebrations by the numerous Corinthians’ supporters.
This was Zejtun’s second double in two consecutive years.
Referee: Andre Arciola.
Assistant referees: Roberto Vella and Philip Farrugia.