FA Trophy: Valletta through after impressive comeback against Sliema

Just three minutes into the match, Sliema took the lead. Daniel Mitev's powerful free kick first hit the woodwork before ending up at the back of the net, leaving no chance for Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

On the 16^th minute, Sliema doubled their lead thanks to another powerful free kick by Daniel Mitev.

Last season's finalists managed to reduce the gap five minutes into the second half. Substitute Edmond Agius had his shot from outside leave no chance from goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

On the 60^th minute, Valletta were back in the match after they scored the equaliser.

Denni Rocha dos Santos served Ousseni Zongo to have the latter beat the goalkeeper with his shot.

Just eight minutes later, Valletta managed to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Steve Bezzina fouled Michael Mifsud inside the area. Sliema were reduced to ten-men as Bezzina was sent off. Michael Mifsud made no mistake from the penalty spot to put his team ahead.

Michael was unlucky to score another goal on the 69^th minute as his shot hit both posts before being cleared.

Valletta made it 4-2 thanks to Ousseni Zongo's rising shot left no chance for Henry Bonello on the 79^th minute.

On the 88^th minute, Valletta killed off the match after Alfred Effiong made it 5-2 thanks to his header after receiving a perfect pass cross from Michael Mifsud.

SLIEMA WANDERES Henry Bonello, Ryan Grech (72' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Mark Scerri, Danial Mitev, Steve Bezzina, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Ryan Fenech, Rumen Galabov, Roderick Bajada, Emiliano Lattes, Beppe Muscat (63' Alex Muscat).
Subs not used: Anthony Curmi, Josef Mifsud, Ryan Dalli, Timothy Thomas, Cleavon Frendo.
Coach: Danilo Doncic
Asst. Coach: Saviour Debono Grech

VALLETTA FC Andrew Hogg, Steve Borg, Ian Azzopardi, Roderick Briffa, Gilbert Agius, Denni Rocha dos Santos, Denni Rocha dos Santos, William Barbosa (32' Edmond Agius), Michael Mfisud, Jonathan Caruana, Alfred Effiong, Dyson Falzon (32' Ousseni Zongo).
Subs not used: Matthew Towns, Ramon dos Santos, Samir Arab, Siraj Arab, Jamie Pace.
Coach: Leonard Farrugia
Asst Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Roberto Vella
Fourth Official: Esther Azzopardi
Yellow Cards: R. Grech
Red Cards: 67' Steve Bezzina
Scorers: 3' Danial Mitev (S); 16' Danial Mitev (S); 50' Edmond Agius (V); 60' Ousseni Zongo (V); 68' Michael Mifsud pen (V); 79' Ousseni Zongo (V) 88' Alfred Effiong (V)