Ħamrun’s Brazilian striker Raphinha tries to go past Żebbuġ’s Ricky Zammit during their KO match. Photo: Joe Borg

Brazilian striker Raphinha put on a dazzling display to lead Ħamrun Spartans to a 13-3 win over Żebbuġ Rangers and a place in the Gatorade KO quarter-finals.

Żebbuġ’s only consolation was that they matched their opponents for most of the opening half, although Ħamrun crafted the better chances but found Gallen Mifsud in inspired form in the Żebbuġ goal.

The Spartans came roaring back after the change of ends as Raphinha resumed his scoring spree to annihilate the Żebbuġ rearguard.

Raphinha hit the target seven times with Eslam Khalifa, Ibrahim Tarek, Andy Mangion, Djordje Maksimovic, Daniel Mifsud and an own goal by Gorg Borg completing the mission for the Spartans.

Ingo Dolora, Jamie Portelli and Patrick Bonnici got the Rangers’ goals.

In a dour encounter, Lija Athletic secured a place in the quarter-finals after a 5-1 win over Msida St Joseph.

Lija, considered one of the main challengers for the championship title, had Luke Stivala, Wallace Oliveira, Jason Gauci, Stefan Vella and Nicola Del Re on the scoresheet.

Herbert Spiteri scored Msida’s only goal.

Mdina Knights edged Qrendi 7-6 in an exciting encounter.

Striker Cleavon Portelli notched a hat-trick while Neil Cauchi, Dalziel Bugeja, Roberto Sarcia and Ryan Micallef added more goals for the Knights.

Alan Spiteri, who netted a brace, Bertram Azzopardi, Maxime Landais, Saviour Sammut and Haitam Saghar were the goal-getters for Qrendi.

Swieqi United also reached the last eight of the Gatorade KO thanks to a 5-3 win over Marsaskala.

Gabor Balan and Daniel Sant netted twice while Diego Gomes de Mello added another goal for Swieqi.

Josef Balzan, Reuben Degabriele and Steve Gambin were on the mark for the southerners.