BALZAN-3, ZEBBUG RANGERS-1
Balzan scored three goals in 10 second-half minutes to swat aside the credible challenge of Zebbug Rangers and advance to a fourth-round FA Trophy clash with Valletta.
The first half had been a balanced affair with Zebbug holding their own against their more-quoted opponents but Balzan's second-half revival paid instant dividends as their three-goal burst left the Division One strugglers with too much to do.
In the opening stages, a fine through-pass from Zebbug's Kurt Zammit put Dario Tabone through but his grounder came off the base of the near post.
There was also a chance for Balzan as Bojan Kaljevic served Alfred Effiong who ran into the box but the Malta striker's finish was poor.
Balzan were struggling to gain the upperhand despite playing against a team from a lower division.
Tomislav Trebovac's free-kick was stopped by Christian Cassar, starting ahead of Ivan Janjusevic.
Azzopardi, the Zebbug goalkeeper, also showed quick reflexes as he was quick off his line to block a dangerous effort from Effiong who was clean through.
An ankle injury ended Micallef's evening on 29 minutes. He was replaced by Abdelkarim Nafti who, within a minute of his introduction, headed wide from Da Silva's cross.
Late in the first half, Zebbug's Trebovac cut into the box from the left but his cross-shot was pawed away by Cassar.
Three minutes into the second half, Terence Agius, the Balzan midfielder, shot just over from outside the box but the Premier League side took the lead moments later.
Da Silva Souza did everything as the Brazilian sprinted into the box from the right and hit a low shot past Azzopardi.
Balzan suddenly found their range. They increased their lead, Kaljevic heading in from Effiong's cross.
Yet, Zebbug battled on. They were unlucky not to reduce the deficit as Trebovac's drive shook the crossbar.
Paul Lapira, who had just replaced Kaljevic, ended Zebbug's comeback hopes when hitting a low shot past Azzopardi after running on to Da Silva Souza's through-ball.
The Brazilian was then denied by the crossbar as Balzan grew increasingly dominant.
Lapira had a shot blocked by Azzopardi while Da Silva Souza was narrowly wide.
With 19 minutes left, Britto pulled one back for the Rangers with a fierce shot from inside the box.