Marsaxlokk advanced to the quarter-finals of the Jubilee Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Hibernians, following an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Centenary Stadium — a match that also marked the historic debut of the Football Video Support (FVS) system in Maltese football.

The two sides had only met days earlier in the YoHealth Malta Premier, where another 2-2 stalemate had seen Marsaxlokk clinch a Top Six berth. This latest encounter proved just as fiercely contested, but it was the Southerners who ultimately held their nerve from the spot to continue their fine form.

The opening exchanges were tightly contested, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Hibernians came close on 15 minutes when Dexter Xuereb unleashed a powerful drive that was superbly pushed away by Pablo Sanchez, before Lucas Villela’s header was cleared off the line by James Vella.

The Paolites eventually made history on 29 minutes when the FVS system was used for the first time in Malta. After a corner, Hibs protested for handball against Jake Ghio, but referee Matthew De Gabriele initially waved play on. Hibs coach Branko Nišević requested a review, and following consultation with the video footage, the referee overturned his decision and awarded a penalty.

Villela calmly converted from the spot to put Hibernians 1-0 ahead.

However, their advantage was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Enrico Pepe pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the area and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner to draw Marsaxlokk level.

The momentum shifted as Marcelo Barros Santos almost put Marsaxlokk ahead moments later with a fierce 25-metre shot that Ibrahim Kone Sacco tipped onto the crossbar. The Southerners did complete the turnaround in first-half stoppage time, when Jubhel Tsoumou rose highest to head home from an Aguirre corner, making it 2-1.

Yet, there was still time for late first-half drama. On the stroke of half-time, Lucas Caruana’s central free-kick was mishandled by Sanchez, allowing the ball to bounce into the net for 2-2.

The second half lacked the same tempo, as both teams tightened up defensively. Hibernians almost snatched victory four minutes from time when Cleiton narrowly missed connecting with Pablo Alves’ inviting cross.

With no further goals, the match went to penalties — and here, Marsaxlokk’s Pablo Sanchez emerged as the hero. The Spanish goalkeeper saved spot-kicks from Bjorn Kristensen and Pablo Alves, securing Marsaxlokk’s passage to the quarter-finals and compounding Hibernians’ difficult season.

It was a night that not only saw Marsaxlokk’s resilience rewarded, but also one that will be remembered for introducing video technology to Maltese football for the first time — a landmark moment for the local game.