Xagħra United and Nadur Youngsters reach Knock Out semi-finals

The First Division Knock Out reached an exciting phase over the weekend at the Kerċem Stadium, as Xagħra United and Nadur Youngsters joined SK Victoria Wanderers and Xewkija Tigers in the last four, scheduled to be played on Sunday

Xagħra United bounced back from their GFA Cup elimination with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Oratory Youths.

Oratory’s chances were severely compromised on 25 minutes when Luis Gabriel touched with his hand a shot by Michael Bezzina, and a penalty was awarded while a red card was shown to the Brazilian.

However, Xagħra striker Johan Castano saw his penalty saved by the Oratory goalkeeper.

Castano redeemed himself on 44 minutes, putting Xaghra ahead just before halftime with a tap-in following a cross from the left flank.

Xagħra dominated the second half and sealed the win with three more goals.

Damir Andelovic doubled the lead on 58 minutes, before Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo sealed the win with a brace on 62 and 72 minutes.

Nadur Youngsters continued their positive run with a 2-0 win over Għajnsielem and reach the last four.

Nadur took the lead on 20 minutes with a shot from Matthias Mercieca.

Għajnsielem’s response was sterile, and Nadur could have made it 2-0 when they were awarded a penalty on 55 minutes from a penalty.

But Joseph Zammit’s spot-kick was saved by Għajnsielem’s goalkeeper. 

Nadur eventually sealed the win on 64 minutes when Andre Gabriel add a second goal, ensuring his team’s spot in the next round of the competition.

Second Division

Kerċem Ajax cruised to a 5-0 victory over St Lawrence Spurs to strengthen their grip on top spot maximum points while extending their unbeaten streak across all competitions this season.

The match was a direct showdown between the two unbeaten teams in the league, with Kerċem continuing to demonstrate their superiority.

The Ajax effectively secured the win with four first-half goals scored by Andrea Debrincat (14), a brace from Samuel Azzopardi (31, 33), and Andrew Mizzi (44).

Kerċem maintained their dominance in the second half, adding a fifth goal through Cesar Velez Da Silva on 71 minutes, underlining their status as title contenders.

In another second-division clash, Għarb Rangers and Żebbuġ Rovers earned their first points of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Żebbuġ took the lead twice, with goals from Harry Paulin in the 10th minute and Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke on 65 minutes.

However, Għarb fought back on both occasions, equalising through Michael Tabone in first-half stoppage time and Julian Camilleri in the 81st minute, ensuring a hard-fought draw for both sides.

NEXT FIXTURES

PLAYING ON SATURDAY

KERĊEM STADIUM

GFA DIVISION TWO

Munxar vs Sannat Lions            12.45

PLAYING SUNDAY

KERĊEM STADIUM

GFA DIVISION ONE KO SFs

SK Victoria vs Xewkija 12.45

Xagħra vs Nadur Y.      15.00