Mifsud Triganza's strike sent Stripes through

by Ayrton Galea - 3rd December 2012

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza's strike early in the second half was enough for Birkirkara to eliminate Tarxien Rainbows and advance to the fourth round.

Coming to this match with morale sky high, Birkirkara were the most aggressive side throughout the whole match but the sending off of Joseph Zerafa could have complicated matters for ‘The Stripes'. However, the BoV Premier League leaders showed great resilience, with one player down, and they remained the slightly better side.

Before the match, scorer of 100 goals in the Premier League, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was presented with a token of this accomplishment.

Birkirkara had Gareth Sciberras missing due to a groin injury with Ryan Scicluna taking his place. Zach Muscat suffered a last minute injury and had to be replaced by Edward Herrera in the only two changes for Birkirkara. The latest signing, Yosimar Hernandez began on the bench.

The First Half

The match started on a slow note as both teams took the first minutes to study each other with Birkirkara being the more aggressive side in the opening minutes.

Birkirkara were dangerous in their first scoring opportunity. On the 11th minute, Ryan Camenzuli sent Mifsud Triganza through but the latter's shot ended wide from an ideal position.

Jhonnattann seemed to be floored inside the are on the 13th minute but the referee waved play on despite the protests of the Birkirkara supporters.

Tarxien created their first opportunity on the 17th minute when off a freekicky by Esposito, the header anticipated Reuben Gauci but the ball ended over.

Paul Fenech fired a long distance shot on the 25th minute following some tense moments with aggressive tackles from the Tarxien players. Less than a minute later, Ryan Camenzuli had a long distance effort ending over as well.

Birkirkara went close once again on the half hour mark. Jhonnattann Benites sent a low cross, with Mifsud Triganza rounding a player before his shot was somehow blocked by Cassar.

Tarxien's reply was quick and on the 33rd minute they went close to take the lead, when Mariano Bueno served Esposito who fired a first time volley which hit the upright bar and the ball went out of the pitch.

The first half saw 'The Stripes' creating the most chances but it was Tarxien who were closest to open the score. However, the first forty five minutes ended in a goal-less draw.

The second half

Birkirkara took the lead for a perfect second half start as after just three minutes, Jhonnattann Benites served Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who beat Cassar.

Tarxien replied with a freekick by Eposito on the 53rd minute with Steve Bonnici heading over.

Birkirkara almost doubled the lead thanks to the same Mifsud Triganza. On the 54th minute, Jhonnattann sent a perfect cross with Mifsud Triganza's powerful volley ending wide by inches.

Mr. Clive Mizzi, the Tarxien Head Coach included Karl Pulo and Danilo Meira Santos to put everything forward in quite an early stage of the second half.

Birkirkara ended playing with 10 players as Joseph Zerafa was sent off following receiving the second yellow card.

Tarxien had a long distance shot ending totally over on the 68th minute. Evaldo had an ideal freekick which ended totally over on the 71st minute.

Yosimar Hernandez made his debut as he was included instead of Ryan Scicluna on the 72nd minute.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza had a direct freekick ending over on the 77th minute.

Tarxien had a shot from outside the box by Meira Santos ending wide on the 82nd minute.

Rodrigo was included off Jhonnattann in the dying moments two minutes from time to defend the narrow one goal lead.

McAllisther Clinch was included in the third substitution on the 90th minute as he replaced Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

The full time whistle found Birkirkara going through to the last sixteen thanks to a determined performance which earned them another dose of confidence for the upcoming matches.

BIRKIRKARA: Reuben Gauci, Edward Herrera, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza, Joseph Zerafa, Rowen Muscat, Ryan Scicluna (72' Yosimar Hernandez), Paul Fenech, Ryan Camenzuli, Jhonnattann Benites (88' Rodrigo Pereira), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (90' McAllisther Clinch).

TARXIEN: David Cassar, Evaldo Dos Santos, Andre Esposito, Ryan Sammut, Mark Tanti, Daniel Mariano Bueno, Luiz De Castro, David Fenech, Orosco Anonam, Steve Bonnici.

Scorers: 48' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Yellow Cards: 16' Luiz De Castro, 23' Esposito, 23' Daniel Mariano Bueno, 40' Joseph Zerafa, 71' Edward Herrera.

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