Hibernians 3
Zebbug 0
Hibernians: Mario Muscat, Adrian Pulis, Ryan Camilleri, Jonathan Pearson, Jackson Di Lima Siquera, Andrew Cohen, Bjorn Kristensen (75’ B Muscat), Zoran Levnaic (20’ J Bezzina), Clayton Failla, Marcelo Dias (82’ Scott Chircop), Jean Pierre Farrugia
Zebbug: Justin Spiteri (58. I Verbina), William Camenzuli, Jonathan Xerri (86’ L Camilleri), Lee Galea, Miguel Francica, Melvin Farrugia, Roderick Spiteri (75’ Omar Rababah), Lee James Agius, Alan Tabone, Maurilio Osmar Roderigues Britto, John Nwoba
Referee: Mr Paul Caruana
Asst.refs: Mr Edward Spiteri, Mr Roberto Vella
4th official: Mr Adrian Azzopardi
Zebbug were one of the surprising teams to reach the quarter finals.
In the second round, they eliminated Mellieha beating them 3-0,while in the third round they ousted Sliema W 7-6 after a penalty shoot-out. In the 4th round Zebbug again won against third division side Marsaskala 3-0 to proceed to the quarterfinals.
On the other hand, Hibernians started this competition in the third round emerging 2-1 winners against Mosta. In the 4th round, they eliminated first division club Gudja with a 4-0 scoreline.Hibernians are one of the top favourites to win this competition.
Hibernians started the game on the attack and had a lot of crosses and freekicks through Clayton Failla and Marcelo Dias but goalkeeper Justin Spiteri handled the crosses well. In the 17th minute, however, from a corner Cohen tipped the ball with his right foot to open the score for Hibernians.
In the 20th minute Hibs were forced to make an early substitution when Johann Bezzina came in for the injured Zoran Levnaic. Hibs continued on the attack and on the 26th minute, from a cross by Failla, Dias headed but Justin Spiteri saved well.
On the 30th minute, Dias crossed for Farrugia to head down and a overhead kick by Cohen ended centimetres wide. Zebbug tried to come out of their defence but in the first half never troubled Mario Muscat.
Hibs continued attacking and on the 44th minute a header by JP Farrugia hit the upright. A minute from halftime referee Paul Caruana handed a red card to coach Jesmond Zammit of Zebbug.
In the third minute of the second half JP Farrugia and Dias exchanged passes but eventually, Zebbug defender Maurilio cleared to a corner.
Zebbug goalkeeper Justin Spiteri had to be substituted by Iulian Verbina after a collision with Marcelo Dias. A few minutes later Hibernians had the chance to increase the lead with JP Farrugia failing to connect to a Failla cross.
On the 71st minute Hibs were awarded a penalty when Andrew Cohen has tripped inside the box by Zebbug player Roderick Spiteri: Failla scored to give Hibs a two-goal lead. In the 76th minute Mario Muscat had to effect a great save when Britto came face to face with him.
The Paolites extended their lead through a JP Farrugia header on the 81st minute following a freekick of Failla.