[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Season 1998/99
Rothmans Trophy
Final
27/5/99 Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-0 aet
A goal in the 106th minute gave Valletta the Rothmans Trophy and hence the double. In a hardly fought battle, the two teams shared the exchanges with Valletta being slightly better than their opponents in the first half with the Stripes improving in the second half creating more chances. In the first half, most of the attempts by the two sets of players missed the targets with the two goalies rarely called in action. In the second half, the two teams went closer to opening the score with Gilbert Agius for Valletta hitting the posts with the goalkeeper beaten. Valletta also had an appeal for a penalty turned down by the referee. In the first half of extra-time, the two teams increased their pressure up front. Birkirkara also appealed for a penalty but their request was also turned down. Early in the second half, Valletta managed to break the deadlock with a goal by Nenad Veselji. From then onwards, the Stripes went all out in search of the equaliser with Valletta goalie Reggie Cini coming to the Citizens' rescue on several occasions. The match ended with a free-for-all fight in the Valletta penalty area in which Valletta defender Darren Debono and improvised Birkirkara striker, goalie Robert Savic were sent off. For the last minute defender Justin Tellus had to wear the goalie's shirt since Birkirkara had already substituted 3 players and could not include a goalkeeper to replace Savic.| Valletta | R. Cini, D. Braunovic, R. Forace, S. Giglio, D. Debono, J. Camilleri (D. Trasakopoulos), G. Agius, N. Saliba, K. Bonnici, N. Veselji (A. Sacco), M. Galea. |
| Birkirkara | R. Savic, J. Tellus, V. Matanovic, A. Eminyan (S. Sammut), J. Magri Overend, H. Suda, M. Cutajar (I. Zammit), J. Brincat, M. Galea (M. Calascione), C. Nwoko, G. Bencini. |
| Referee | Lorry Sammut |
| Player of the Match | Nenad Veselji |
Semi-Finals
20/5/99 Floriana vs Valletta 1-3
Two late goals by ex-Floriana striker Nenad Veselji gave Valletta a place in the Rothmans Trophy Final for the sixth consecutive edition. The Greens did quite well but in front of them they found an excellent Reggie Cini guarding the Valletta posts. For the first 20 minutes, Floriana were the better side but in the 23rd Alexandre Ivanov shocked the Greens to put Valletta ahead. Towards the end of the first half, Ivanov was sent off. Early in the second half, Floriana also was reduced to ten when defender William Camenzuli was given marching orders. Thirteen minutes from time, Floriana equalised through the usual Richard Buhagiar but the same player received a second yellow card for his excessive celebrations and was therefore sent off. As the match seemed to be heading for extra-time, Nenad Veselji scored for Valletta in the 87th to put the Citizens ahead. Two minutes in injury time, Veselji secured a place in the final with a third goal for a final 3-1 score.| Floriana | S. Sullivan, B. Said, W. Camenzuli, C. Mattocks, J. Holland (N. Schembri), M. Caruana, A. Busuttil, T. Zaytzev, A. Zahra, R. Oba (J. Navarro), R. Buhagiar. |
| Valletta | R. Cini, D. Braunovic (G.Agius), R. Forace, S. Giglio, D. Debono, J. Camilleri, N. Veselji (A. Sacco), N. Saliba, K. Bonnici, A. Ivanov, M. Galea (J. Cilia). |
| Referee | Saviour Darmanin |
| Player of the Match | Reggie Cini |
21/5/99 Birkirkara vs Hibernians 2-1 aet
Trophy holders Hibernians were eliminated by a Birkirkara side reduced to ten men after extra-time.The game was a balanced affair and it was only after 69 minutes that the Stripes managed to break the deadlock thanks to a goal by Michael Galea. However two minutes from time, Roderick Baldacchino equalised for Hibernians to force extra-time. Things seemed to be going in the wrong direction for Birkirkara as two minutes later, Zoran Antic was sent off for a late tackle. However seven minutes in extra-time, Michael Galea restored the lead for Birkirkara. In the second half of extra-time, the Stripes could have even increased the lead when they were awarded a penalty. Velibor Matanovic's spot-kick was blocked by the Hibs goalie and off the rebound the same player hit the upright. In the dying minutes, Hibs almost equalised when an attempt by Essien Mbong beat goalie Robert Savic, however Joe Brincat came to Birkirkara's rescue clearing the ball off the goal line.| Birkirkara | R. Savic, J. Tellus, V. Matanovic, J. Magri Overend, G. Bencini, M. Cutajar (H. Suda)(M. Calascione), J. Brincat, M. Galea (S. Sammut), C. Nwoko, A. Eminyan. |
| Hibernians | M. Muscat, A. Mifsud (D. Attard), K. Noteman, S. Vella, A. Xuereb (K. Abela), R. Walker, A. Ciantar (N. Chukunyere), E. Mbong, D. Carabott, R. Baldacchino, S. Sultana. |
| Referee | Alfred Micallef |
| Player of the Match | Michael Galea |
Quarter-Finals
15/5/99 Tarxien R. vs Floriana 0-6
Floriana cruised to the semi-finals with a tennistic 6-0 win over First Division side Tarxien. The Greens dominated throughout the 90 minutes taking the lead after 18 minutes thanks to Claude Mattocks. In the 34th, Antoine Zahra doubled the score. With two goals in four minutes' time between the 56th and 60th, Richard Buhagiar increased the score further to 4-0. Floriana's best player, Todor Zaytzev added another goal in the 67th and finally Rufen Oba scored the sixth goal four minutes from time.| Tarxien | M. Camilleri, E. Farrugia, C. Mamo, R. Plumpton (H. Pullicino), E. Gauci (Falzon), J. Pickard, O. Grech (C. Borg), G. Mallia, M. Tirchett, N. Jankovic, Cutajar. |
| Floriana | S. Sullivan (J. Haber), B. Said, W. Camenzuli, E. Dengaki, A. Busuttil, M. Caruana, C. Mattocks, T. Zaytzev (J. Holland), A. Zahra (N. Schembri), R. Oba, R. Buhagiar. |
| Referee | Saviour Darmanin |
| Player of the Match | Todor Zaytzev |
15/5/99 Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 4-7 (after penalty shoot-out)
Following a highly entertaining match, a perfect example of cup-tie football, Birkirkara managed to qualify to the semi-finals after the penalty shoot-out. Michael Cutajar opened the score for Birkirkara in the 8th but Michael Mifsud equalised in the 21 st. One minute in the second half, Massimo Grima put Sliema ahead 2-1 but eight minutes later, Birkirkara were awarded a penalty which Joe Brincat converted. Birkirkara made it 3-2 thanks to Antoine Zahra four minutes later. In the 77th, Ivan Woods managed to equalise for Sliema. During extra-time, neither side managed to take the lead even if Birkirkara were reduced to ten men, ten minutes from time after that Antoine Zahra had to leave the pitch injured when they had already performed three substitutions.Penalty shoot-out: Joe Brincat (B) scored, Ivan Woods (S) - saved by goalie, Michael Galea (B) scored, Michael Mifsud (S) scored, Velibor Matanovic (B), Luke Dimech (S) hit the upright, Jonathan Magri Overend (B) scored.
| Sliema | E. Barry, I. Ciantar, L. Galea, S. Zammit Fava, W. Attard (U. Ogbodo), L. Dimech, N. Turner (I. Woods), C. Busuttil, MA Bonnici, M. Mifsud, M. Grima. |
| Birkirkara | R. Savic, J. Tellus (M. Galea), V. Matanovic, Z. Antic, J. Magri Overend, G. Bencini, M. Cutajar, J. Brincat, A. Eminyan (I. Zammit), C. Nwoko, A. Zahra. |
| Referee | Mark Spiteri |
| Player of the Match | Michael Cutajar |
16/5/99 Naxxar L. vs Hibernians 2-3
Trophy holders Hibernians had to struggle much more than expected to move to the semi-finals. Naxxar took the lead thanks to Chris Oretan in the 19th and Essien Mbong equalised in the 35th. But Chris Oretan put Naxxar ahead once again two minutes in the second half. However the inclusion of substitute Kenneth Abela injected fresh blood in the Paola side. In fact two goals by this player in the 70th and 76th turned the result in Hibs' favour.| Naxxar | R. Debono, J. Galea (F. Muscat), M. Catania (M. Deguara), S. Radak, M. Woods, D. Okonkwo, V. Bellia, M. Marlow, C. Oretan (E. Sciberras), M. Degiorgio, I. Stefanovic. |
| Hibs | M. Muscat, A. Mifsud, R. Walker, S. Vella, A. Xuereb, M. Spiteri (K. Noteman), A. Ciantar (K. Abela), E. Mbong, D. Carabott, R. Baldacchino (C. Scerri), S. Sultana. |
| Referee | ER Zammit |
| Player of the Match | David Carabott |
16/5/99 Hamrun S. vs Valletta 2-4 (after extra-time)
Hamrun Spartans left top-level football in style giving champions Valletta a very hard time. In fact it was only after 120 minutes that Valletta managed to beat eight-man Hamrun. The Spartans had goalie Ivan Casha in top form denying the Citizens on several occasions. After a goalless first half, Valletta were awarded a penalty early in the second half but Alexandre Ivanov had his spot-kick saved by Casha. Few minutes later, Hamrun were also awarded a penalty which was converted by Djebriel Sylla. After that Charlo Mamo was sent off for Hamrun, Valletta equalised in the 66th through Nenad Veselji. Although Valletta tried hard, they failed to score a second goal. Three minutes in the first half of the extra-time, it was Djebriel Sylla who again put Hamrun ahead. But young substitute Antoine Sacco equalised for Valletta. The sending off of Rupert Mangion eased matters for the Citizens and just before the end of the first half, Mark Galea put Valletta ahead for the first time. Two other players were sent of in the second half of extra-time, Sylla for Hamrun and Jeffrey Chetcuti for Valletta and in the 110th, Valletta missed another penalty, this time kicked by Karl Bonnici and once again saved by Casha. Just before the final whistle, Antoine Sacco scored another goal for Valletta for a final 4-2 score.| Hamrun | I. Casha, C. Magro, D. Galea, K. Sammut (W. Louvini), E. Bonnici, N. Fasanelli, R. Mangion, L. Attard (D. Sylla), P. Ohaka (C. Mangion), D. Camilleri, P. Zammit. |
| Valletta | R. Cini, D. Braunovic, J. Chetcuti, S. Giglio, D. Debono, R. Forace (A. Sacco), N. Veselji, N. Saliba, K. Bonnici (C. Camilleri), A. Ivanov, M. Galea. |
| Referee | Anton Zammit |
| Player of the Match | Ivan Casha |
Second Round
23/3/99 Tarxien R. vs Pietà H. 5-4 (after penalty shoot-out)
Tarxien Rainbows managed to qualify for the Quarter Finals after eliminating Premier Division side Pietà Hotspurs after the penalty shoot-out. Malcolm Licari put the Hotspurs ahead in the 31st but Henry Pullicino forced extra-time with a goal three minutes from time. with neither side scoring during the extra-time, the penalties had to be the deciding factor. Tarxien keeper Matthew Camilleri saved two of them and scored one to give the Rainbows the passport for the next round.Penalty shoot-out: Edmond Lufi (P) hit the bar, Malcolm Tirchett (T) scored, Daniel Theuma (P) scored, Chris Borg (T) scored, Clive Mizzi (P) - saved by goalie, Edwin Gauci (T) - saved by goalie, Dobrin Raguin (P) scored, Carlo Mamo (T) - saved by goalie, Lazar Tonozliev (P) scored, Gordon Mallia (T) scored, Kevin Mamo (P) - saved by goalie, Matthew Camilleri (T) scored.
23/3/99 Rabat A. vs Floriana 1-3 (after extra time)
Floriana qualified for the Quarter Finals after beating Rabat 3-1 after extra time. They took the lead two minutes before half-time with a goal by Eudes Dengaki but in the 67th Edward Azzopardi equalised for Rabat. Twelve minutes in the first half of the extra-time, Jonathan Holland put Floriana ahead once again and Antoine Zahra increased the gap further in the 115th.24/3/99 Zurrieq vs Naxxar L. 1-2
Naxxar moved to he Quarter Finals after beating Division 1 side Zurrieq. Naxxar took the lead in the 19th with a goal by Paul Sixsmith but Zurrieq equalised one minute from the end of the first half through ex-Naxxar midfielder Gordon Camenzuli. A shot by Digger Okonkwo deviated by a defender put Naxxar ahead once again for a final 2-1 score.24/3/99 Hamrun S. vs St. Patrick 2-0
Hamrun Spartans qualified to the next round of the Rothmans Trophy thanks to a good display and win over St. Patrick. They took the lead in the 18th with a goal by their best scorer , Paul Zammit. Hamrun doubled the score in the 35th thanks to a shot by David Camilleri which accidentally bounced on Paul Zammit to beat the Saints keeper. It was the Spartans' first win over St. Patrick this season as the Saints won twice, 4-3 and 2-1, the other match ending 1-1.
First Round
20/1/99 St. Patrick vs Xghajra Tornadoes 3-1
In the Zabbar derby, St. Patrick managed to beat Division 1 side Xghajra Tornadoes 3-1. The Saints were the better side and they took the lead in the 16th through Renis Hyka. On the half hour, Angel Terzyski was unlucky to hit the post but three minutes before half-time, Konrad Sultana doubled the score for the Premier side. Despite playing in ten, after that Reno Gili was sent off, the Tornadoes pulled one back when they were awarded a penalty which Godwin Zarb converted. They tried hard to notch the equaliser but a goal by Simon Zerafa two minutes from time killed Xghajra's hopes. During injury time, another Xghajra player, Ludvic Bartolo was sent off.20/1/99 Hamrun Spartans vs Gozo FC 4-2
Hamrun Spartans managed to obtain their first victory of the season when they beat Division 1 leaders Gozo FC 4-2. Hamrun opened the score in the 15th by Paul Zammit, but Gozo made it 1-1 thanks to Martin Cremona. But just a minute later, Claude Mangion surprised the Gozitan goalie to put Hamrun ahead once again. The Gozitans were unlucky to hit the bar just before half-time and to make matters worse for them, Paul Zammit scored three minutes in the second half following a defensive blunder. After that Hamrun had Nicky Fasinelli sent off, Dione Lautier narrowed the gap for Gozo with a good header in the 83rd but a goal by Peter Ohaka two minutes later secured qualification to the Second Round. During injury time, Victor Caruana was sent off for Gozo.20/1/99 Mellieha vs Rabat Ajax 2-4
Division 1 side Mellieha gave Rabat Ajax a hard time despite having to leave the pitch beaten 4-2. Adrian Mifsud put Rabat ahead in the 20th but substitute Chris Gauci equalised in the 42nd. Dennis Cauchi gave Rabat the lead five minutes in the second half but Carlos Dimech equalised again for Mellieha. But just a minute later, Cedric Caruana made it 3-1 for the Magpies from the penalty spot. During injury time, Cedric Caruana scored again for Rabat for a final 4-2 score.14/2/99 Zurrieq vs Marsa 2-0
Despite lacking key players, Zurrieq moved to the Second Round thanks to a 2-0 win over Marsa. Although Marsa had a better start, Zurrieq managed to take the lead with a goal in the 41st by Mark Sultana. To make matters worse for the Red/Blues, Albanian striker Ilir Pelinku had to leave the pitch injured. In the 65th, Paul Massa doubled the score for Zurrieq.16/2/99 Siggiewi vs Pietà Hotspurs 1-3
Pietà Hotspurs qualified to the next round following a 3-1 win over Division 1 side Siggiewi. The Hotspurs dominated for long stretches but Siggiewi managed to keep the score low thanks to goalie Jeffrey Farrugia and defenders Kevin Muscat and Andre Cassar. Malcolm Licari put Pietà ahead in the 25th. Jesmond Delia doubled the score in the 35th and one minute later, Siggiewi pulled one back with a penalty by Victor Egere. Five minutes in the second half, Dobrin Raguin scored the third goal for Pietà.17/2/99 Floriana vs St. Andrews 4-0
In front of just 81 spectators on the terraces, Floriana beat First Division side St. Andrews 4-0. Mario Caruana put the Greens ahead after just 9 minutes and Richard Buhagiar doubled the score in the 58th. Two goals by Jonathan Holland in the 72nd and 86th increased the score further to four-nil.17/2/99 Lija Athletic vs Naxxar Lions 1-3 (after extra time)
A brilliant display by Lija Athletic goalie Omar Cassar forced extra-time in the Trophy tie against Premier side Naxxar Lions. Despite dominating throughout the 90 minutes, the Lions failed to score and were even unlucky to hit the posts twice during the first half. Naxxar managed to break the deadlock three minutes in the first half of the extra-time through Sinisa Radak. In the 96th, Orosco Anonam doubled the score for the Lions. In the 103rd, Jesmond Cardona pulled one back for Lija but a penalty by Paul Sixsmith two minutes later restored the two-goal lead for Naxxar.6/3/99 Mosta vs Tarxien Rainbows 1-2
Tarxien qualified for the Second Round beating fellow Division 1 side Mosta 2-1 despite having two players sent off. Tarxien took the lead in the 13th through Chris Borg. Mosta missed a penalty in the 36th by Carl Zacchau and they paid dearly for this as Chris Borg once again scored for the Rainbows in the 51st. Nine minutes later, they had Nebjosa Jankovic sent off. Fifteen minutes from time, Mosta pulled one back through Mark Spiteri but they failed to notch the equaliser even if Tarxien had Robert Plumpton sent off.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]