Prolific striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was the undisputed hero for the Maltese Veterans as he netted a brace to hand his side a 2-1 victory over the Malta Employers Sports Association (MESA) in the opening match of the Jubilee Cup. This competition is being organised by the Malta FA to mark its 125th anniversary.

In the first half, the Veterans dominated possession, while MESA tried to threaten with occasional counterattacks.

Despite the balance of play, it was MESA who broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through Jean Carlos Ibarra Grueso, who made a fine run into the box before beating goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri.

The Maltese Veterans produced an immediate response, equalizing four minutes later when Mifsud Triganza shook off his marker and slotted past Jurgen Cilia with a precise shot into the corner.

That goal spurred Joe Micallef’s team on, and Mifsud Triganza struck again to secure a dramatic winner. Following a corner action, he pounced on a loose ball and fired into an empty net to seal the victory.

Incidentally, this was Mifsud Triganza’s 279th goal in all MFA competitions.

The Maltese Veterans will now face the winners of today’s clash between GIDA and SWAN in the semi-finals.

The referee was Renald Portelli.