Gozitan champions Nadur Youngsters are the new leaders of the GFA Division One after securing a crucial comeback victory over SK Victoria Wanderers on Sunday.
Xagħra United kept their title hopes alive with a dramatic win over Xewkija Tigers, while in the other match, Għajnsielem earned a solid victory against Oratory Youths.
Nadur Youngsters registered their seventh consecutive league win, defeating SK Victoria Wanderers 3-1 to leapfrog Qala Saints into first place.
This result marks a remarkable turnaround for Nadur, who had managed just one point from their opening four matches but have now firmly positioned themselves to defend their title with confidence.
SK Victoria had a bright start and took the lead on 29 minutes following an own goal by Ian Xuereb, who inadvertently misdirected a header while attempting to clear a cross from Caique Souza Da Silva.
However, Nadur hit back strongly and turned the game in their favour with two quick goals from Rafael Conrado Prudente in the space of three minutes.
Two minutes into the second half, Nadur extended their lead when Joseph Xerri headed home from a Pires Dasll’Oca cross and seal victory.
Xagħra United kept their championship ambitions alive with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Xewkija Tigers.
This encounter was one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the weekend, as both teams sought a win to remain in the title race.
Although Xewkija dominated possession, Xagħra’s disciplined defending and clinical finishing proved decisive, with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty sealing the win.
Xagħra took the lead on 24 minutes when Johan Alberto Castano headed home after an exchange with Lucas Farrugia.
Xewkija equalised in the 67th minute through a well-placed header by Brian Parada, following a cross from Claudio Frances.
Xagħra regained the lead on 81 minutes with a stunning strike from Julian Suzuki Bicudo, but Xewkija were awarded a penalty five minutes later for a handball by Marlon Mamo. Parada converted from the spot, seemingly securing a draw for Xewkija.
However, with seconds to go, an effort by Suzuki Bicudo was handled in front of an open goalmouth, leading to a red card for Eduardo De Sousa Santos and a penalty was awarded to Xagħra.
Veteran Chris Camilleri calmly converted the resulting penalty to hand Xagħra a dramatic victory.
Għajnsielem wrapped up their second-round commitments with a convincing 3-1 win over Oratory Youths.
The Blacks bounced back from their previous defeat and pulled level with SK Victoria Wanderers in the standings.
On the other hand, Oratory remain bottom without a single point and on the verge of mathematical relegation.
The match was effectively decided in the first half, with Ghajnsielem racing to a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from debutant Esneider Antonio Daza Carranza (13), Naim Ibrahim Belhadj (34), and James Tabone (42).
Although Gġajnsielem missed further chances in the second half, Oratory managed a late consolation goal through Delan Saliba.
GFA Division Two
Munxar Falcons maintained their lead over Żebbuġ Rovers in the Second Division standings after an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Zebbuġ appeared on course for victory after establishing a 3-0 lead through Marco Ciangura (15), Harry Paulin (25), and Josef Buttigieg (68).
However, Munxar launched a stunning late comeback. Chris Ronaldo Bohui reduced the deficit in the 84th minute, and in the following action, Żebbuġ had Josef Buttigieg dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Neil Mifsud scored from the resulting free kick, before Daniel Azzopardi secured a last-gasp equaliser with a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time.
In the other match from the lower category, Sannat Lions overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Għarb Rangers 3-2 and move up to second place.
Sannat had Carl Gauci sent off in the 12th minute and then Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro put Għarb ahead from the penalty spot on 42 minutes before doubling their advantage in the 49th minute.
However, Sannat hit back, with Aud-Gustine James Obaje pulling one back a minute later.
The Lions continued to press and equalised through an own goal by David Galea, before Obaje completed the comeback with a decisive goal in the 67th minute.
NEXT FIXTURES
PLAYING ON FRIDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
SK Victoria W. vs Xewkija 19.00
SATURDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM
GFA DIVISION TWO
St Lawrence vs Munxar 12.30
Żebbuġ Rovers vs Kerċem Ajax 14.45
PLAYING SUNDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Oratory Y. vs Nadur Y. 13.00
Xagħra United vs Qala Saints 15.00
