Lucas Villela’s stunning goal helped Hibernians secure a 2-0 victory over Naxxar Lions, booking their place in the FA Trophy semi-final where they will face Ħamrun Spartans. Villela received a pass from Felicio Carvalho, skillfully dribbled past Ryan Gilmour Cassar, and slotted the ball into the net with precision. Carvalho later sealed the win with Hibernians’ second goal.

 

The upcoming semi-final clash against Ħamrun Spartans will see Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic face his former club, with his team now just one victory away from reaching the FA Trophy final for the first time in years.

 

Naxxar Lions came into the match with confidence, riding a three-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, but their momentum was halted when Villela silenced their supporters with a moment of brilliance after just 12 minutes. Carvalho provided the assist, and Villela displayed remarkable agility to evade Cassar before beating goalkeeper André Fenech.

 

Hibernians looked lively in attack but struggled to convert their chances. On 22 minutes, Villela turned provider, setting up Dexter Xuereb, who fired his shot over the bar. Before halftime, Khevin Fraga’s long-range effort was only partially blocked by Fenech, but the Naxxar defence cleared the danger.

 

Naxxar started the second half with renewed energy, forcing Hibernians goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez into a sharp save from Fernando Barbosa’s shot. However, despite Naxxar’s increased possession, Hibernians remained a constant attacking threat. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Fraga broke free and set up Carvalho, who sprinted past Barbosa before unleashing a powerful shot past Fenech to double their lead.

 

Naxxar’s Edward Bolanos, brought on for Hugo Coelho, nearly pulled one back six minutes from time but was denied by Sanchez. Moments later, Takuma Yamaguchi fired a shot just wide of the post, but it was not enough to alter the outcome. Hibernians held firm to secure their place in the semi-final, moving one step closer to FA Trophy glory.