Young Stars top group after 2-1 win

Rabat Depiro 1
Young Stars 2

This match was to determine who will eventually win the Challenge Cup qualifying Group A and face the runners-up of Group B later on this month. Both teams had won their encounter against White Hart, with Young Stars enjoying a better goal difference.

Rabat started on attack and from a short corner, Young Stars keeper Waylin Abdilla made a double save on efforts by Shawn Falzon and Josef Antonelli.

On 19 minutes, from yet another short corner, Rabat were awarded a penalty stroke but Abdilla again distinguished himself by saving Chris Bugeja's shot.

As the minutes ticked away Young Stars were coming more into the picture and opened the score on 33 minutes through Marvin Vella after having received a telling pass from Michael Margolien.

In the second half, Rabat went all out in search of an equaliser, which they managed to obtain in the 44th minute from a James Azzopardi penalty stroke.

But 11 minutes later, Mark Camilleri put Young Stars again ahead with an unstoppable flick.

Rabat did try to save the day, but it was to no avail.

Sliema Hotsticks 0
Qormi 1

This was a one-way affair with Sliema defending tooth and nail to keep Qormi at bay.

It also had to be a five-star performance by veteran Luke Mallia in goal who made save after save to keep his team in the match.

However, he had to succumb on 22 minutes to an only goal by John Williams.

The second half saw more of the same but try as they might Qormi could not find the back of Mallia's net.

Sliema will now play White Hart in a play-off to determine who will face Young Stars for a place in the final. The other semi-final will be played between Qormi and Rabat.