Għaxaq Wolves and Senglea Gunners are the finalists of the MAFA 70th Anniversary Cup after recording victories over their respective opponents in the semi-finals.

Għaxaq Wolves were made to work hard to overcome a resilient Marsa St Michael’s side, with the match only being decided after a penalty shoot-out. At the end of the 70 minutes of regulation time and extra time, the score stood at 3–3 in what proved to be a closely contested encounter.

Marsa St Michael’s took the lead in the 13th minute through Lamin Saho, but three minutes later Għaxaq Wolves equalised following an own goal by Shajahan Areeckal. The match remained lively, with Diego Fernando Pereira putting Għaxaq ahead 2–1 before Joao Marcello restored parity for Marsa St Michael’s to make it 2–2, a scoreline that remained unchanged at half-time.

In the second half, Leandro da Silva Almeida made it 3–2 in favour of Għaxaq Wolves, but once again Joao Marcello equalised for Marsa St Michael’s. Despite extra time being played, neither side managed to find a winning goal, and Għaxaq Wolves eventually prevailed 8–7 in the penalty shoot-out. The match was refereed by Alper Can.

The other semi-final was dominated by Senglea Gunners, who registered an emphatic 8–0 victory over Balluta Barracudas. The Gunners were already 2–0 ahead at half-time before adding a further six goals in the second half.

Christopher Philip Balotelli was the standout performer, scoring five goals, while Ogar Augustine, Ousman Jallow and Joshua Gaku also found the net for the Cottonera-based side. The match was officiated by referee Onur Arslan.

The final between Għaxaq Wolves and Senglea Gunners will be played next Saturday at 2.30pm at the Marsaxlokk Ground.