Valletta secured a place in the MFA Jubilee Cup final, avenging last week’s league defeat by knocking out Maltese champions Ħamrun Spartans with a dominant 2-0 victory.

The Citizens seized the initiative early, and their intense pressure paid off spectacularly in the 19th minute. Midfielder Yuri Messias won possession near midfield and launched a brilliant, audacious lob over the advancing Ħamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello to make it 1-0.

Ħamrun struggled to settle, though they did have chances, notably a Semar Smajlagic miss and a strong save by Valletta keeper Adilson from Merlin Hadzi’s drive. The Spartans were denied an equaliser just before halftime when a penalty call for handball against Steve Borg was overturned by the Football Video Support (FVS).

The champions pushed hard in the second half and were again frustrated by FVS when a penalty claim for Shaisen Attard’s fall was dismissed. Despite a goal from Andrea Zammit being ruled out for offside, Valletta remained resolute and sealed the victory three minutes from time. Keyon Ewurum tapped in the final goal after a sharp cross from Aldama.

The Spartans’ miserable day concluded in stoppage time when Vincenzo Polito was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.