Holders Hibernians were eliminated from the FA Trophy after suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Gżira United in a match that swung wildly between dominance and a late comeback.

The Maroons produced an impressive first-half display, taking firm control with two goals and dictating the tempo, but the Paolites responded with determination after the break and came close to forcing extra time before ultimately falling short.

Gżira threatened early, and on 17 minutes André Penha da Costa tested goalkeeper Laurentiu Branescu with a low drive that was well saved. The breakthrough arrived five minutes later when a Stasa Bastic free kick caused confusion in the Hibernians area, and Dexter Xuereb inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.

Buoyed by the opener, Gżira continued to press. André was again involved in the 37th minute, driving into the area and finishing calmly past Branescu to double the lead.

The Maroons carried their momentum into the second half and extended their advantage almost immediately. Brooklyn Borg delivered from the left and Maxuell Maia, left unmarked at the far post, headed powerfully home to make it 3-0.

Hibernians, however, responded within a minute. Kevin Halabaku set up Alfred Silas, who turned sharply and fired past Edoardo Colombo to ignite hopes of a comeback.

The Paolites pushed forward and nearly reduced the deficit on 68 minutes when Pedro Henrique’s header forced a smart goal-line save from Colombo. Their pressure paid off ten minutes from time as Henrique controlled the ball in the area and guided it onto the far post, where substitute Cleiton headed in to make it 3-2.

The closing stages were tense and controversial. Gżira substitute Fábio Virgens was sent off on 88 minutes following a VAR review that upgraded an initial yellow card for a studs-up challenge on Mailson. Moments later, Hibernians were also reduced to ten men when Dexter Xuereb received his second booking.

Hibernians threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but their final chance ended when Cleiton’s late header was safely gathered by Colombo, allowing Gżira to hold on and advance to the quarter-finals.