Qormi chase third final as Lija look to defy the odds

Qormi have good reason to be upbeat about their chances of advancing to their third U*Bet FA Trophy final in four years ahead of their semi-final showdown with Lija Athletic this evening at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

The feeling after last week’s semi-finals draw was that Qormi had been dealt a lucky hand not only because Lija are the only team outside the top division in the last four but moreso because they avoided big guns Hibernians, the FA Trophy holders, and Valletta who meet in tomorrow’s semi-final.

Although Qormi start as favourites, they are unlikely to underestimate Lija who claimed the scalp of Premier League side Floriana on their way to the semi-finals.

Wary of the potential ill-effects complacency could have on his team’s performance, Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa has urged caution.

“It’s still a very difficult game,” Zerafa said. “I believe that Lija have come this far because they have potential.

“They have done well not only in the cup but also in the league as they made a strong challenge for promotion.”

Zerafa is still looking for the first FA Cup success in his coaching career. His best chance of KO glory came two years ago when he steered Valletta to the final but the Citizens lost 1-0 to arch rivals Floriana.

When Qormi slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Valletta in their first final appearance three years ago, Zerafa had relinquished his post as coach of the former in the final weeks of the season.

Last year, Qormi, then under the charge of Stephen Azzopardi, went down 3-1 to Hibs in the final.

Qormi now have their sights firmly set on another final appearance but Zerafa has called on his players to focus on the task at hand.

“Our target is to reach the FA Trophy final for the third time in four years,” Zerafa said. “That would represent quite an achievement for a club like Qormi but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.

“We are motivated and focused on the semi-final as we must win this game to reach the final.”

As Lija are regarded as the underdogs, Zerafa expects his opponents to adopt a cautious strategy for today’s semi-final.

“They may opt for a prudent approach and try to hit us on the counter,” the former Valletta coach said.

Zerafa has a full squad at his disposal.

Lija Athletic have already exceeded expectations by making it to the semi-finals of the cup competition but coach Brian Spiteri stressed that their run is no fluke.

“No-one expected us to reach this target,” Spiteri told Times of Malta. “We have progressed to the semis on our merits. We have done well not only in the Trophy but also in the league where we came within a whisker of winning promotion.

“We’re treating this semi-final as a big occasion for the club, players and the coaching staff.

“At the same time, we can’t write off our chances. We respect our opponents but we are approaching the game in the same way as we did the Floriana match.”

Despite being the least-fancied team in the semi-finals, Lija were perceived to have been handed the most favourable draw as Qormi are considered to be weaker than Valletta and Hibs.

When it was put to Spiteri that the draw was kind to Lija, he replied: “On paper, maybe we preferred to be paired with Qormi because they are a Relegation Pool team whereas Valletta and Hibs were challengers for the Premier League title.

“But Qormi also have a strong squad.

“The fact that they have lost two finals in the last few years will probably increase their motivation to reach their third one.”

Lija, who finished fourth in Division One, have no selection problems.

Qormi

Third round vs Pembroke 5-2 (aet)

Fourth round vs Birkirkara 2-1

Quarter-finals vs Balzan 1-0

Lija Athletic

Second round vs Siġġiewi 3-1

Third round vs Għargħur 2-1

Fourth round vs Floriana 1-0

Quarter-finals vs St Andrew’s 1-0