Balzan 3
Birkirkara 2
Simon Farrugia
Balzan: S. MIntoff, A. Kosoric, N. Sljivic, S. Pisani (A.Majdevac 51'), S. Bezzina, P. Fenech, A. Effiong (S. Cipriott 90'), U. Ljubomirac, I. Bozovic, C. Kadu (D. Camilleri 83'), R. Correa Duarte
B'Kara: K. Naumovski, M. Andjelkovic, M. Vella, J. Bezzina (T. Brito de Souza 75'), C. Failla, M. Ferriera Dos Santos, N. Vukanac (M.Guillaumier 83'), M. Mifsud, A. Attard, T. Agius, J. Perreira da Silva (L.Montebello 72')
Referee: Fyodor Zammit
Asst refs: Edward Spiteri, Theodore Zammit
4th official: Darryl Agius
Yellow cards: Pereira da Silva, Agius
Scorers: Nenad Sljivic 8', Michael Mifsud 32', 40', Ljubomirac 54', Effiong 80'
Attendance: 752
Balzan are the first finalists in this year’s edition of the FA Trophy after defeating neighbours Birkirkara by the odd goal in five. It was an entertaining match which went Balzan’s way in the final ten minutes of the match.
Both teams were desperate to grab the win and a place in Saturday’s final since this competition presents them with the opportunity of silverware and a place in the Europa League come summer. Infact Balzan and Birkirkara failed miserably during this campaign and neither of them managed to place in the top four.
Birkirkara had one of their worst seasons in recent history when they were managed by none other than four coaches namely Paul Zammit, John Arne Riise, Mark Buttigieg Buttigieg.
Balzan made it to the semis after defeating Qormi 5-1, Xewkija Tigers 6-1 and Tarxien Rainbows by three goals to nil. Birkirkara had a more difficult path in reaching this stage defeating Gozitan side Nadur Youngsters 4-0, Hamrun Spartans and Mosta by an identical 2-1 score.
Balzan have come very close in the past seasons to win their first major honour. The nearest they went in theTrophy was a final against Sliema Wanderers in 2016 losing on penalties. On the other hand the Stripes have tasted success in this cup for five times.
In this season’s matches Birkirkara won the first round match by a solitary goal with the return match ending in a goalless draw.
Balzan will now play the winner of today’s other semi final between Gzira United and Valletta.
Balzan drew first blood as early as the eighth minute when off a Ricardo Correa Duarte corner from the right side a headed effort by Nenad Sljivic beat Naumovski. They continued to do the early running and dictate matters and on 14 minutes Effiong set Ljubomirac whose close range shot was blocked by the Stripes custodian.
Three minutes later and Naumovski was once again in the thick of the action when he tipped into a corner a diagonal shot by Correa Duarte. But just past the half hour Birkirkara drew level. It was a wonderful strike by Michael Mifsud who after making his way past Sljivic, blasted the ball past Mintoff.
And five minutes from the break, the Stripes took the lead. Johann Bezzina passed on the left towards Jorginho whose low cross was met by a stretching Mifsud and into the net.
Balzan’s reaction was a De Fiori Mendes shot in the 43rd minute which just missed the target.
On the change of ends Balzan looked more aggressive and their pressure reaped dividends on 55 minutes. A free kick by De Fiori Mendes found Uros Ljubomirac who beat Naumovski from close range.
Balzan were now piling on the pressure and on 67 minutes a Correa Duarte shot sailed over the bar. Four minutes later an acute shot by the same player had Naumovski turning in style into a corner.
It was the 80th minute when Balzan scored what proved to be winner and qualifying goal when Ljubomirac passed towards Alfred Effiong and after running towards goal chipped the ball over an onrushing Naumovski.
Birkirkara tried to react but the only effort they had to offer was a header by substitute Montebello which was saved by Mintoff. Their disappointing season is now surely over.