Victoria Hotspurs will clash against Sannat Lions in the final of the Independence Cup on Monday.
The Hotspurs, holders of the cup, notched a close 1-0 victory over city rivals SK Victoria Wanderers while Sannat, the league champions, came from behind to win their semi-final against 10-man Nadur Youngsters 4-2.
The derby pulled a sizeable crowd to the Sannat Ground.
The Hotspurs, playing their first match of the new season, had Nigerian debutants Julius Emanche and Ochenne Anyanwo, a former Dingli striker, in their ranks.
The Hotspurs were more effective in their approach but it was the Wanderers who controlled play for long stretches. Balance was broken in the 89th minute when Oliver Farrugia, back with the Hotspurs after a spell with St Lawrence Spurs, scored the goal that mattered.
Nadur had an excellent start in the other semi-final and opened a double lead thanks to goals from Anthony Portelli and Charles Hili.
Sannat, however, regained composure and in the 27th minute they were awarded a penalty when Saviour Attard floored Fernando de Andrade in the area. Attard was sent off and De Andrade scored from the spot to re-open the issue.
Nadur were stunned and the Lions went 3-2 in front with two John Camilleri goals either side of half-time. Mark Formosa sealed the issue late on for Sannat to reach the final.
The semi-finals of the Sportika Division Two KO saw holders Xagħra United suffering an unexpected 1-0 upset to Oratory Youths.
The Youths played cautiously against more quoted opponents and were rewarded for their approach when Nicholas Farrugia committed an own goal 17 minutes from time.
That lucky strike saw Oratory booking their place in the final.
In the other semi-final, Qala St Joseph registered a convincing 4-1 victory over Żebbuġ Rovers.
An early Jonathan Bajada goal paved the way for the Maroons.
They increased the lead with a penalty goal by Mario Mifsud. The Rovers had skipper Joe Hili sent off for a second caution soon after the restart and the score became 3-0 on 54 minutes following a Christian Portelli goal.
Jonathan Xuereb pulled one back for the Rovers but Qala made sure of victory with a John Rapa goal 15 minutes from time.