Xewkija Tigers and SK Victoria Wanderers reach GFA KO semi-finals

Xewkija Tigers and SK Victoria Wanderers secured the last two places in the GFA Knock Out semi-finals after defeating Għajnsielem and Xagħra United respectively. 

Xewkija will now move to face holders Nadur Youngsters in the last four, while SK Victoria Wanderers will take on GFA Division One leaders Qala Saints.

Xewkija Tigers progressed after edging past Għajnsielem 2-1.

The match was evenly balanced as Għajnsielem confirmed their good form of late but found in front of them a determined Xewkija side.

Xewkija took the lead just after nine minutes when Julian Vella won possession outside the Għajnsielem defence and Stefan Tesic fired home from close in.

The Blacks fought back and thought they equalised just before half-time but Godwin Emmanuel’s goal was annulled for offside.

Għajnsielem did level matters after the breakthrough a low shot by Alberto Xuereb.

Minutes later Xewkija’s substitute Rodney Buttigieg was unlucky to see his low drive coming off the post.

The match was decided six minutes from time when Xewkija’s Stefan Tesic broke through and rammed the ball home.

In the other quarter-final, SK Victoria Wanderers needed a second-half goal to knock out Xagħra United.

There was little separating either side with qualification left open until the final minutes.

Xagħra United dominated the match for much of the first half but could not turn their superiority into goals.

After the break, the Wanderers came to life and grabbed the all-important goal on 54 minutes through Junior Conceicao Cabral. 

A minute from time, Xagħra United were reduced to ten men when Leandro Almeida Da Silva was sent off for stopping a goal-scoring opportunity.

Division Two

Munxar Falcons took all three points from the top match in the GFA Division Two when they overcame Sannat Lions 2-0.

The match featured two teams who looked to stay in touch with their promotion rivals. Sannat, who are considered as potential challengers for promotion, put on a disappointed display and were severely punished by Munxar’s counter-attacking play.

Nathan Mercieca turned out to be the Falcons hero when netting the all-important goals on 69 minutes and in stoppage time.

In the other Division Two match, Żebbuġ Rovers picked up their first points of the season when they battled past St Lawrence Spurs 4-3.

The Spurs took the lead through Dylan Rapa on 15 minutes but the Rovers levelled matters five minutes later courtesy of a Miguel Ampudia goal.

But St Lawrence soon regained command with two goals from Ayesller Carvalho (24, 44). 

Żebbuġ managed to restore parity after the break with goals from Nathan Cini and Ampudia.

When it looked that the match would end in a draw, Ampudia struck the winner at the death.

NEXT FIXTURES

TOMORROW – KERĊEM

BOV GFA Cup semi-finals

Nadur Y. vs Munxar F. 12.45

Xewkija T. vs Kerċem 15.00

PLAYING ON SUNDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM

GFA Cup semi-finals

Qala Saints vs Victoria H.          12.45

SK Victoria vs Oratory Y.           15.00