Valletta and Mqabba started their 2015-16 futsal season on a high as they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Gatorade KO at the Corradino Sports Pavilion.

New recruit Mohammed Elamari was Valletta’s inspiration, scoring three goals to help the Citizens overcome newcomers Sliema Wanderers 9-5 and make progress in the knock-out competition.

Valletta produced their best play in the first half, scoring seven goals in the process.

The second half was a different story though as the Wanderers improved their game and roared back into action to produce a thrilling finale.

However, Valletta held tight to retain their comfortable lead.

Apart from Elamari, City’s other scorers were Melvin Borg (2), Denis di Maio, Daniel Brincat, Jovica Milijic and Dylan Musu.

David Calleja netted twice for Sliema and their other goals came from Ryan Dalli, Darren Agius and an own goal.

Mqabba didn’t find any difficulty to eliminate debutants Gozo FC from the tournament after a 9-2 win.

Mqabba had qualification wrapped up by the interval after opening a three-goal lead as the Gozitans lacked cohesion and were duly punished by their opponents’ firepower in attack.

For Mqabba, the in-form Ryan Mifsud netted three times.

A Lydon Baldacchino double and further goals from Matthew Buttigieg, Fabio Grech, Kevin Loughborough and Conrad Dimech completed the rout for the winners.

Jean Paul Abdilla and Joel Grima were on the mark for Gozo FC.

The last two matches from the opening round of the competition see Qrendi playing Msida and Lija facing Msida.