Sliema Wanderers advanced to the final of the Jubilee Cup in dramatic fashion, defeating Żabbar St. Patrick 9-8 on penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw. The tense encounter saw neither side able to break the deadlock after 90 minutes of regulation time.

The first half offered a few glimpses of goal. Żabbar St. Patrick nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when Pedro Cejas’s header from a Nicholas James Agius free-kick struck the upright. Sliema responded with a free-kick from Roko Prsa that went just over the bar. Towards the end of the half, Żabbar’s Mario Fontanella narrowly missed connecting with a pass from Cejas.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams creating half-chances. Sliema’s Sulahmana Bah provided an opportunity for Vito Plut, who shot wide from inside the area, while at the other end, Sliema goalkeeper Rashed Al-Tumi was forced into action to deny Fontanella.

With the match goalless, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. The shootout was a nervy affair, with both teams experiencing a mix of successful conversions and missed opportunities. Sliema took an early lead, but Steve Pisani’s effort was saved, allowing Żabbar to level the score at 3-3.

The shootout continued with a long sequence of successful penalties until the crucial final kicks. Sliema’s Gustavo Alcino converted their ninth penalty, putting immense pressure on Żabbar’s Mayron. Unluckily for Żabbar, Mayron’s shot hit the crossbar, sending Sliema through to the final.

Match Stats

Sliema Wanderers Lineup: R. Al Tumi, J. Borg, N. Frendo (71’ K. Nwoko), A. Magri Overend, V. Plut (71’ Wescley), M. Beerman (90+1’ L. Montebello), R. Prsa (79’ Fernandinho), S. Bah, M. Freire, S. Pisani, M. Baggio (71’ G. Alcino).

Żabbar SP Lineup: J. Grech, P. Cejas, B. Gambarte, N. Agius (79’ I. Akpan), J. Micallef, S. Jovancic, Z. Leonardi, V. De Paiva (79’ Mayron), K. Scicluna, J. Pisani, M. Fontanella (71’ H. Tchaouna).