BALZAN          3
Sljivic 8
Ljubomirac 54
Effiong 80

BIRKIRKARA  2
Mifsud 32, 40

An Alfred Effiong goal ten minutes from time handed Balzan a thrilling 3-2 win over Birkirkara to book their place in the FA Trophy final.

Balzan had a perfect start, taking the lead after eight minutes. Ricardo Correa’s corner from the right was well-met by Nenad Sljivic who headed the ball home past Naumovski.

Jacques Scerri’s side maintained the pressure and on 14 minutes, Ljubomirac and Effiong exchanged the ball twice before the Serbian winger tried his luck with a low shot which was deflected into a corner by Vukanac.

However, it was Birkirkara who levelled matters on 32 minutes against the run of play.

Mifsud received an assist by Andjelkovic just outside the centre circle, advanced upfield and rounded Sljivic before unleashing a powerful drive which ended in the top right corner, giving Balzan keeper Sean Mintoff no chance.

The goal filled the Stripes with confidence and eight minutes later, they forged ahead. Johann Bezzina released Jorginho on the left. The Brazilian anticipated Mintoff with an angled shot and Michael Mifsud’s final touch made sure the ball ended into the back of the net.

Balzan came out strong on the restart and nine minutes in the second half, they managed to equalise. Kadu’s freekick from the left found the unmarked Uros Ljubomirac on the right and the latter slotted the ball past the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

On 71 minutes, Kadu served Correa on the left and the latter’s effort was turned into a corner by Naumovski. Three minutes later, Majdevac hit wide off a Kadu corner from the right, deflected by a defender.

Balzan’s pressure produced a winner ten minutes from time. Andjelkovic lost possession to Ljubomirac in midfield and the latter sent Effiong through on the right flank before lobbing the ball past the onrushing Naumovski.

Balzan will now face the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Valletta and Gżira United on May 18.