Top teams breeze into GFA Cup semi-finals

There were no major surprises in last weekend’s GFA Cup as the Qala Saints, Nadur Youngsters, Kerċem Ajax, and Nadur Youngsters all progressed to the semi-finals.

In the only match between top-flight sides, Qala Saints prevailed over Oratory Youths by the odd goal in five.

Oratory were off to a strong start and managed to surge ahead on 28 minutes through James Tabone following a corner action. 

Qala, however, hit back strongly and turned the result in their favour with quick-fire goals from Jordi Parnis (30) and Nathan Chukwudi Njoku (33). 

The Maroons put one foot into the next round when they added a third goal three minutes from the break following a low shot by Martin Buttigieg.

But Oratory kept fighting and managed to reopen the match on 53 minutes with a close-range shot from substitute Neil Said.

Five minutes from the break, Qala were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Franklin Vella was dismissed after denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

But despite their numerical advantage, Oratory could not find an equaliser as Qala Saints held on for the win.

Holders Nadur Youngsters scored two goals in each half to ease past second division side Munxar Falcons 4-0.

Goals from Joseph Xerri, after 12 minutes, and Predrag Djordjevic, directly from a free-kick on 27 minutes, put the Youngsters in the driving seat.

The Youngsters, who are aiming to defend all the honours they won last season, made sure of the win with two second-half goals from substitute Neil Mifsud and Gabriel Farrugia.

Kerċem Ajax were in rampant form as they brushed aside Xagħra United 5-1.

The Ajax made sure of the victory inside the first half when they surged into a four-goal lead. 

Andrew Mizzi put them ahead after 25 minutes and the Ajax extended their advantage courtesy of a brace by Karl Formosa (32, 42) and Pablo Vinicius De Moraes Ferreira (37). 

Xagħra’s consolation goal arrived on 52 minutes through a low shot by Matthias Cordina.

But Kerċem had the final say as Andrew Mizzi netted a fifth goal on 88 minutes.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Kerċem could have added another goal but Luiz Santana Motta saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Lorjean Xuereb.

Għajnsielem broke little sweat to see off SK Victoria Wanderers 3-0.

Joao Pedro put the Blacks ahead directly from a free-kick before Michael Bezzina grabbed the second goal with a low shot.

Għajnsielem sealed the win with a third goal on 52 minutes through Claudio Henrique Da Silva Barbosa.

In the semi-finals, Kerċem Ajax will play Għajnsielem while Nadur Youngters will take on Qala Saints.

NEXT FIXTURES

November 27

Kerċem Stadium

GFA Division Two

Żebbuġ R. vs Munxar F.             12.30

SK Victoria vs St Lawrence       14.45

November 30

Gozo Stadium

GFA Division One

Victoria H. vs Kerċem Ajax       19.00