The Stripes beat The Wanderers and make it to semi final

by Ayrton Galea - 20th March 2011

Birkirkara was the first team to advance to the semi finals, as in a dramatic match packed with emotions and goals, Birkirkara beat Sliema Wanderers.

Birkirkara started the match with almost the same line up of the last match against Marsaxlokk, with Shaun Bajada replacing Ryan Scicluna. Andrew Decesare, Joseph Zerafa, Nikola Vukanac and Angus Buhagiar were the back four. The three midfielders were the internationals Paul Fenech, Shaun Bajada and Andrei Agius. Ibrahim Babatunde, Michael Galea and Trevor Cilia were forming the attacking department. Manuel Bartolo was defending the posts.

One should mention the great performance by Manuel Bartolo. Many believe that if the Birkirkara goalkeeper was not in this perfect form for this game, Sliema Wanderers might have humiliated 'The Stripes' in the first half. However his perfect saves denied 'The Wanderers'.

Birkirkara could not open the game on a worse note as after three minutes Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza made the best from a Joseph Zerafa blunder and beat Manuel Bartolo for the first time.

Sliema Wanderers continued to be the best team on the field although Birkirkara almost equalized on the 17th minute when a good header by Ibrahim Babatunde, found Michael Galea unmarked with the latter's shot being turned into a corner kick by Henry Bonello.

On the 21st minute Sliema almost doubled their lead when Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza's effort hit the foot of the right post.

A well taken freekick by Shaun Bajada on the 27th minute ended wide.

Manuel Bartolo started to be the protagonist on the half hour mark. Etienne Barbara who was left unmarked performed a good run before his powerful low shot was blocked the Birkirkara goalie.

Mr. Paul Zammit performed the first substitution as Rowen Muscat replaced Joseph Zerafa on the 36th minute.

Sliema continued to show their superiority but Bartolo continues to show his class and deny them from more goals. On the 38th minute, Etienne Barbara served Obinna Obiefule who had his shot somehow saved by the goalkeeper.

Birkirkara had the perfect opportunity to equalize when on the 41st minute Michael Galea was floored by Josef Mifsud and referee Kevin Azzopardi ordered the penalty. From the 11th meter kick Michael Galea hit the foot of the right post with the ball being cleared into safety.

What Michael did not do from the penalty kick, Nikola Vukanac did in the first minute of the stoppage time for the first half. A perfect cross by Michael Galea was headed by Nikola to beat Henry Bonello.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw with no one from the Birkirkara clan being happy with the performance.

The second half saw a big improvement in 'The Stripes' performance as more determination and a better level of football was clear to notice.

Ten minutes into the second half Birkirkara took the lead for the first time in the game. Once again it was from a cross by Michael Galea, that Ibrahim Babatunde made the best from the Sliema's defence lack of communication and placed the ball in an empty net.

Youngster Ryan Scicluna replaced Shaun Bajada in the second substitution for Birkirkara.

Sliema Wanderers did not take long to equalize. On the 69th minute a cross shot by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was unluckily enough deflected by Andrei Agius and it beat Manuel Bartolo.

Birkirkara's reaction was quick and after a few moments a cross from the right was headed well by Michael Galea who beat Henry Bonello. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside position.

In the last substitution for Birkirkara, Emiliano Lattes replaced Trevor Cilia.

On the 72nd minute it was Birkirkara who was the most dangerous again as a long distance powerful shot by Paul Fenech ended a bit wide.

In the stoppage time Birkirkara could have easily scored the winning goal when in a fast counter attack Michael Galea served Rowen Muscat who failed to make contact with the ball and Angus Buhagiar's low shot ended wide.

Kevin Azzopardi's whistle found both teams preparing for the extra time period to decide the winner.

In the first half extra time period the only opportunity was for Birkirkara. From a cross by Andrei Agius, Emiliano Lattes failed to connect.

The second half of extra time was more enjoyable. After eight minutes Etienne Barbara scored what many thought to be the winning goal. After being served from the right his low shot managed to beat Manuel Bartolo.

All seemed over for Birkirkara, and their hope to advance to the semi final was very low. However the character and determination of the Birkirkara players was awarded. Michael Galea was served from the left with his wonderful volley beating Henry Bonello. The Birkirkara supporters erupted with joy after this goal.

The penalty shoot out had to decide the winner.

Michael Galea opened this penalty shoot-out and once again failed to score as this time his penalty ended wide.

Sliema went ahead as Noel Turner beat Manuel Bartolo.

Emiliano Lattes temporarily levelled matters for Birkirkara.

It was time for the show to begin. Mark Scerri's penalty kick was well saved by Manuel Bartolo.

Paul Fenech put 'The Stripes' ahead.

Manuel Bartolo totally read what Jakson Lima had in mind and he deflected the ball, which hit the post and went out.

Ibrahim Babatunde gave Birkirkara a two goal lead.

Roderick Bajada was next for Sliema Wanderers, and it was do or die. Manuel Bartolo once again was the protagonist as he saved another penalty to put Birkirkara in the semi final.

The draws will be held after the BOV Premier League is finished. The semi finals will be played on the 14th and 15th May.

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