Sunday’s matches from the GFA Division One at the Gozo Stadium reshaped the championship dynamics, as Xewkija Tigers claimed a crucial 4-3 victory over leaders Qala Saints.
The win blew the title race wide open as now four teams are vying for top spot.
Elsewhere, SK Victoria Wanderers and Xagħra United secured victories over Ghajnsielem and Oratory Youths, respectively.
Xewkija Tigers reignited their title hopes with a stunning win over Qala Saints.
The Tigers, after a period of disappointing performances, delivered their best display of the campaign, showcasing their attacking prowess with quick counter-attacks.
Qala should have taken the lead after five minutes of play when Igor Nedeljkovic struck the post from the penalty spot.
The Saints paid dearly for this miss as it was Xewkija who took the lead six minutes later.
Brian Parada lobbed the ball into an empty net following a precise through-ball from Stefan Cassar.
Early in the second half, Xewkija doubled their lead as Parada’s inswinger came off the bar and from the rebound Eduardo De Sousa Santos fired home.
Qala revived their hopes when Nedeljkovic capitalised on a defensive error to score, but Xewkija restored their two-goal cushion in the 67th minute with a clinical finish by Parada.
The Tigers extended their lead in the 80th minute, with Parada completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Qala launched a late resurgence, narrowing the gap with another penalty scored by Ezequiel Eduardo Ruiz (84) and a stoppage-time header by Nedeljkovic.
But that was not enough as Xewkija held on for the win.
Xaghra United moved up to third in the standings with a 3-1 victory over Oratory Youths. Xagħra’s win was built courtesy of three early goals in the first 15 minutes of the match.
Johan Castano opened the scoring in the third minute before Julian Suzuki made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
Michael Bezzina fired in the third goal with a low shot on 14 minutes.
Although Oratory managed to stabilise the game, their efforts yielded only a consolation goal that arrived on 47 minutes through a spectacular long-range strike by Deison Avery Cuero.
SK Victoria Wanderers secured a 2-0 win over Għajnsielem, to move level with their opponents in the standings.
Goals from David Garba (25) and (28) in the first half proved enough for the Wanderers to earn the three points, despite a late effort from Kaio Nunes Santos hitting the post.
The Citizens ended the match with ten men as skipper Neil Camilleri was sent off on 85 minutes for hitting an opponent.
GFA DIVISION TWO
Sannat Lions move up to second in the GFA Division Two following a 1-1 draw against Munxar Falcons.
Żebbuġ Rovers and Għarb Rangers remained in the bottom two places after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Sannat’s match against Munxar Falcons was tightly contested, with early goals setting the tone.
Luke Meilak gave Munxar the lead on 10 minutes, but Aud-Gustine James Obaje equalised on 20 minutes. Munxar could have won it but Neil Mifsud’s penalty was saved by Sannat’s goalie Kyle Attard.
In a dramatic encounter, Żebbuġ Rovers and Għarb Rangers shared six goals in thrilling match.
Għarb led 2-0 following an own goal by Żebbug’s Pierre Paul Camilleri (5) and Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro (44).
But Żebbuġ fought back and re-opened the issue through Christian Debono (45).
The Rovers eventually equalised through a strike by Harry Paulin (56).
But Gharb regained the lead ten minutes later with another goal scored by Igbinobaro.
Żebbug rescued a point through Andrew Ofulue’s equaliser on 73 minutes.
NEXT FIXTURES
FRIDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Qala Saints vs Għajnsielem 19.00
SATURDAY – Kercem Stadium
GFA DIVISION TWO
Għarb Rangers vs Kerċem Ajax 12.45
St Lawrence Spurs vs Sannat Lions 15.00
SUNDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
SK Victoria vs Oratory Youths 13.00
Xagħra vs Nadur Youngsters 15.00
JANUARY 30 – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Għajnsielem vs Oratory Youths 19.00
