Jubilee Cup: Valletta 1 Melita 0

Valletta FC booked their place in the Round of 16 of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Melita FC at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday evening. Though the Citizens entered the match as favourites against their Challenge League opponents, Melita’s organized defending and determined performance ensured that Valletta had to work hard to earn progression.

After a balanced opening half in which Valletta enjoyed most of the possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, the deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Yannick Yankam struck the decisive goal. The Maltese midfielder reacted quickest in the box to finish past the Melita goalkeeper, sending the Valletta supporters into celebration.

Melita refused to give up, pressing forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser. Their efforts tested Valletta’s backline, but the Premier League side remained compact and managed the final minutes efficiently to preserve their lead until the final whistle.

Valletta now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where they will face Mgarr United.

Valletta: T. Aquilina; Z. Cassar, A. Zammit (61 K. Ewurum), A. Ciolacu (61 Jefferson), B. Paiber, J. Azzopardi (69 Y. Yankam), S. Brewer, N. Micallef, Y. Messias, S. Radic, Thaylor.

Melita: G. Mizzi; A. Sladden (74 B. Cassar), K. Mohnani (74 M. Vella), N. Cutajar (74 K. Obregon), A. Borg Olivier (83 M. Portelli), G. Barone, E. Mensah, J. Azzopardi (83 G. Grima), Q. Allionida, J. Morlets, K. Bondin.

Scorers: 71′ Y. Yankam

Yellow cards: A. Sladden, N, Cutajar, E. Mensah, Q. Allionida, J. Morlets, (M), T. Aldama, Y. Yankam (V)

Red card: J. Morlets (M)

Referee: J. Scerri

Photo credits: Times of Malta

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