A typical cup tie, played at a frantic pace throughout, saw Hotsticks enjoy territorial dominance for most of the game but they were unable to breach Rabat’s rearguard in the first half.

In fact, all four goals were scored in the last 15 minutes.

The opening half provided few thrills until the 15th minute when Rabat’s Shawn Falzon cleared off the line.

Midfield play dominated proceedings for quite some time afterwards.

The half-time whistle sounded with the score still goalless.

On 55 minutes, Steve Portelli fired home off a penalty corner action to put Hotsticks 1-0 up.

Two minutes later, Jonathan Borg scored to double his team’s lead after yet another penalty award.

Hotsticks relaxed and on 65 minutes, Shawn Grima netted after receiving a pass from Julian Zahra.

A minute from time, Zahra pushed home from close range to clinch Hotsticks’ fourth goal and secure his team a semi-final berth.

Umpires: Edward Hughes, Glen Bonello.