Matchday 32: Valletta 2 Hamrun S. 1

Valletta FC will face fierce rivals Floriana FC in the Top Four semi-final, while Ħamrun Spartans take on Marsaxlokk FC, with both matches scheduled for May 9.

In the standout clash between Valletta and Ħamrun, Spartans coach Giacomo Modica made four changes to his starting XI. Emerson Marcelina returned to central defence, replacing Ognjen Bjelicic, while Jonny, Damir Ceter, and Kleri Serber came in for Sven Xerri, Blessing Ekele, and Eder.

Ħamrun started strongly and nearly took the lead after four minutes when Matthew Guillaumier set up Matias Garcia, whose powerful strike was superbly saved by Valletta goalkeeper Maringa.

The Spartans continued to press, with Serber forcing another fine save from Maringa on 17 minutes, before Ceter’s effort was also denied shortly after. Their best chance of the half came on 32 minutes when Ceter struck the post following Mbong’s low cross, with Maringa beaten.

Just before half-time, Ħamrun suffered a setback as Ryan Camenzuli was forced off through injury after a challenge with Diogo Tavares, with Sven Xerri introduced after the break.

Valletta made two changes at half-time, bringing on Thiago Aldama and Jackson Mendoza.

Ħamrun thought they had broken the deadlock on 49 minutes when Guillaumier bundled the ball home after Ceter’s initial effort was blocked, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Jonny.

Valletta capitalised soon after, taking the lead on 53 minutes through Mendoza, who unleashed a शानदार strike from the edge of the area into the top corner.

However, Ħamrun responded immediately. Just three minutes later, Jonny set up Ceter, whose shot was blocked by Maringa, but Compri was on hand to slot home the equaliser.

The Spartans pushed for a winner, with Mbong denied again by Maringa late on. At the other end, Bonello produced a crucial save to stop Tavares, while Brandon Paiber’s follow-up was blocked.

Valletta regained the lead from the resulting corner, as substitute Adebayo rose highest to head home.

Drama continued in the closing stages when Danilo Bulevardi was initially shown a straight red card for kicking an opponent. However, after a Football Video Support review, the decision was overturned and the midfielder was instead booked.

VALLETTA: A. Maringa, B. Paiber (T. Mellilo), J. Azzopardi, D. Tavares (A. Zammit), Y. Yankam (J. Mendoza), S. Brewer. E. Embende, N. Micallef, Y. Messias (T. Aldama), S. Radic, S. Meijer (J. Mendoza)

HAMRUN S. H. Bonello, M. Gillaumier, R. Compri, N. Garcia (C. Eleke), J. Mbong, V. Polito, R. Kleri, D. Valencia (D. Bulevardi), J. Do Nascimento (S. Attard), E. Marcelina, R. Camenzuli (S. Xerri).

Scorers: 54′ J. Mendoza, 83′ A. Adebayo (V), 58′ R. Compri (H).

Yellow Cards: A. Maringa, D. Tavares, T. Aldama (V), E. Marcelina, C. Eleke, D, Bulvardi (H).

Man of the Match: J. Mendoza (V)

Photo credits: Domenic Aquilina

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