Żabbar St Patrick and Tarxien Rainbows booked their places in the quarter-finals of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup after overcoming Naxxar Lions and Gżira United respectively, in an evening packed with goals, tension, and Football Video Support (FVS) drama at the Centenary Stadium.

Żabbar St Patrick 4 – 2 Naxxar Lions

Żabbar St Patrick produced an impressive second-half performance to defeat Naxxar Lions 4–2 and set up a quarter-final clash against Żebbuġ Rangers.

The match began quietly, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges. It was Naxxar who broke the deadlock on 24 minutes when Cedric Kontchou latched onto a cross from Rosiel and fired past Jonathan Grech.

Żabbar’s response was swift. On 32 minutes, Haroun Tchaouna collected the ball just outside the box and beat Matthias Debono with a precise low strike to restore parity.

The Saints continued to press forward, and on 40 minutes, Tchaouna came close again, forcing Debono into a fine save before Toni Brito’s rebound effort was also stopped by the Naxxar goalkeeper.

Żabbar surged ahead just two minutes after the restart, as Ryan Scicluna rifled home a rising drive from the right side of the area.

Naxxar drew level on 63 minutes when Toni Brito fouled Rosiel in the area. Following an FVS review, the referee confirmed the penalty, which Gabriel Costa coolly converted to make it 2–2.

However, Żabbar quickly regained control. On 72 minutes, Mario Fontanella pounced on Jurgen Pisani’s cross to slot past Debono from close range, and just four minutes later, Fontanella turned provider, setting up Pedro Cejas to seal a 4–2 victory.

Żabbar were reduced to ten men in the final minutes when Strahinja Jovancic was sent off for elbowing—another decision confirmed through Football Video Support. Naxxar nearly pulled one back through a Joao Moura free-kick that hit the upright, but it was too late for a comeback.

Tarxien Rainbows 1 – 1 Gżira United (7–6 pens)

In the later fixture, Tarxien Rainbows edged past Gżira United in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw, earning a quarter-final showdown with Marsaxlokk.

The first half saw limited chances, with Gżira looking slightly sharper. Andre tested Miguel Spiteri early on, before Kante struck the post with a powerful effort from close range.

Tarxien replied through Gabriel Vella’s cross that found Wallisson Bahia, but the Brazilian’s shot was blocked by Karl Sargent before Nhaysson sent the rebound wide.

On the half-hour mark, Gżira broke the deadlock through David Xuereb, who unleashed a stunning drive into the net.

Tarxien grew into the match after the interval, and their persistence paid off on 62 minutes when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Jai Quitongo—a decision upheld by FVS. Wallisson Bahia converted confidently to make it 1–1.

The Rainbows were reduced to ten men deep in stoppage time after D’Alessandro received a second yellow card, but they held firm to force penalties.

The shoot-out proved just as dramatic as the match itself. Both teams were flawless through the opening rounds, with Bonilla, Faila, Xuereb, Becerra, and Martinez scoring for Gżira, while Erico Junior, Tavares, Bahia, Grima, and Tavinho replied for Tarxien.

After Kante hit the crossbar for Gżira and Gabriel Vella blazed over, the decisive moment came when Miguel Spiteri saved Andy Borg’s effort before Sheldon Mizzi converted to seal a 7–6 victory on penalties.

Both Żabbar and Tarxien will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals of the Jubilee Cup, as the competition continues to deliver thrilling encounters and showcase the growing impact of Football Video Support technology in Maltese football.