Valletta FC produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Gżira United 2-1 and clinch the Meridianbet FA Trophy for the 15th time in the club’s history on Saturday at the National Stadium.

The Citizens overturned a first-half deficit with two quick goals after the break to seal silverware and end their season on a high note.

Before kick-off, emotional tributes were paid to Clayton Failla and Steve Borg, who both made their final appearances in domestic football after confirming their retirement.

Valletta started brightly and nearly opened the scoring early on when a dangerous ball into the area found a Valletta attacker at close range, but Gżira goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo produced an excellent save to keep the score level.

Gżira gradually grew into the game and threatened on several occasions midway through the first half. Andrew Borg burst down the right flank before crossing towards Maxuell Maia, whose effort took a slight deflection before striking the post.

Moments later, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz connected with a dangerous cross inside the area, but Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Aguero dos Santos reacted well to save comfortably.

The Maroons continued to pile on the pressure and came close again in the 26th minute when Brooklyn Borg unleashed a powerful effort that was saved, with the rebound then cleared off the line.

Gżira eventually found the breakthrough on 34 minutes. Andre Carlos Penha Da Costa controlled a perfectly weighted lobbed pass before calmly finishing past Aguero dos Santos to give Darren Abdilla’s side a deserved lead.

Valletta improved after the interval and looked more aggressive going forward. Andrea Zammit tested Colombo early in the second half before Yuri Messias came close to equalising with a blocked effort following good work by Sava Radic.

The Citizens finally restored parity in the 64th minute through Jake Azzopardi. A quickly taken corner caught the Gżira defence off guard and the midfielder struck a powerful volley into the back of the net to make it 1-1.

Just four minutes later, Valletta completed the turnaround. Emmanuel Mbende reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and bundled the ball home from close range to send the Valletta supporters into celebration.

Gżira pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Valletta defended resolutely to hold on for victory and secure another major honour in the club’s illustrious history.

Jake Azzopardi was named Player of the Match following his influential display and crucial equalising goal.

MERIDIANBET FA TROPHY FINAL
National Stadium, Ta’ Qali

Valletta FC 2
Gżira United 1
(Half-time: 0-1)

Valletta FC: Adilson Aguero dos Santos, Steve Borg, Andrea Zammit (Mattias Ellul 70), Brandon Paiber, Jake Azzopardi, Diogo Tavares, Yannick Yankam (Ahmed Adebayo 46), Emmanuel Mbende (Shaft Brewer 86), Yuri Messias (Jackson Mendoza 81), Sava Radic, Thaylor Aldama.

Gżira United: Edoardo Colombo, Gabriel Bohrer Mentz, Deacon Abela, Andrew Borg (Fabricio Silva Virgens 70), Brooklyn Borg (Stasa Bastic 59), Andre Carlos Penha Da Costa, Maxuell Maia (Samurai), Clayton Failla, Luis Riascos, Isemoli N’Sa Chrisnovic, David Xuereb (Johan Bonilla Calderon 81).

Referee: Philip Farrugia.