Gżira United FC will feature in the FA Trophy final for the first time since their historic 1973 triumph, when they defeated Birkirkara FC 2–0 in a second replay after two goalless draws.

Their latest success came at the expense of Naxxar Lions FC, who were aiming to reach their first-ever FA Trophy final. Naxxar took the lead midway through the first half, but Gżira responded after the break, eventually sealing the win with a penalty in extra time.

The match started at a lively pace. After just three minutes, Andre set up Maxuell on the left, but although he rounded goalkeeper Rosiel, Matthias Debono intervened to clear the danger.

Naxxar replied with intent, as Vitinho delivered a cross from the left and Edson Farias created space before his shot was deflected behind for a corner by Edoardo Colombo.

The Lions broke the deadlock on 20 minutes following a well-worked move between Edson Farias and Joao Moura. The latter picked out Vitinho, who controlled neatly before firing a superb shot from outside the area past Colombo.

Gżira thought they had equalised on 31 minutes when Andre finished clinically after being set up by Clayton Failla, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Just before halftime, Luis Riascos tested Debono after another Andre assist, but the Naxxar goalkeeper was equal to the effort.

Gżira continued to push in the second half, going close through a dangerous cross-shot by Failla that drifted just wide. Their persistence paid off on 76 minutes when Failla’s corner found Andre, who headed past Debono to level the score.

Naxxar nearly restored their advantage late in normal time, with Joao Moura heading against the crossbar, while Theo Seara Kruger fired wide from the rebound.

With the score still level, the match went into extra time. Early on, Colombo produced a crucial save to deny Edson Farias from close range.

The decisive moment arrived on 98 minutes when Brooklyn Borg was brought down inside the area, earning Gżira a penalty. Maxuell stepped up and, despite the ball striking both the crossbar and the upright, it eventually crossed the line to give the Maroons the lead.

Naxxar continued to search for an equaliser, but Colombo remained solid, including a save from a Vitinho free kick.

Late drama followed in added time when Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity after fouling Maxuell outside the area. With no substitutions remaining, Jamie Azzopardi took over in goal for the closing moments.

Gżira held on to secure a hard-fought victory and book their place in the final, marking a return to the competition’s showpiece event after more than five decades.