Rabat Depiro 2
Sliema Hotsticks 1
(after extra time)

With several key players missing, Rabat were made to fight hard to win the Challenge Cup final against a well-organised Sliema side.

Rabat were first to go on attack and by the fourth minute, James Azzopardi had already tested Luke Mallia in goal. Rabat kept up the pressure and forged ahead on 15 minutes through Jason Vella following a short corner action.

Jonathan Seychell might have increased the lead for Rabat but his ferocious hit just missed the far post.

But, by now, Sliema were coming more into the picture and on 33 minutes, Dylan Lentini brought a fine save from Rabat keeper Ian Azzopardi. Then, just before half-time, Sliema were awarded a penalty when Lucas Plaehn was fouled inside the D. Shawn Mifsud converted in style.

Encouraged by their equaliser, Sliema made a confident start to the second half and could have gone ahead but Plaehn's push was off target by a whisker.

However, Sliema could not sustain their early pressure and Rabat regained control of midfield.

Kevin Micallef saw his effort at goal saved with some difficulty by Mallia. Try as they might, Rabat could not find a way to goal and the match dragged into extra time.

After only two minutes, Rabat won a short corner and from the melee that ensued, the nippy Vella scored the winner to give Rabat their second honour of the season.

In the preceding play-off for third place, Qormi beat Floriana by three goals scored by Philip Magri, Julian Zahra and Steve Tanti.