Qala Saints brushed aside Għajnsielem 3-0 to assure themselves of winning their first league title in the club’s history, despite still having one match to play in the competition.
It was a momentous occasion for Qala’s clan as the large crowd of supporters in attendance could finally celebrate the long-awaited league title, marking a historic achievement for the club founded 57 years ago.
Qala were determined to finish the job and avoid the disappointment they experienced in the past two seasons when they lost the title in the final matches of the season.
Qala dominated throughout the 90 minutes but only managed to seal the victory with two late goals.
The Saints opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a long-range shot by Emil Grozdanov, which completely surprised the goalkeeper.
Despite missing several good scoring opportunities during the match, they doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Dias De Almeida scored from close.
Qala sealed the win with a third goal scored by Ezequiel Eduardo Ruiz, who struck a low shot after receiving a pass from De Almeida.
Nadur Youngsters and Xagħra United took a point each in a 1-1 draw.
The match was effectively decided by two goals scored towards the end of the first half. Xagħra opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes fouled Michael Bezzina inside the box. Castano converted from the spot.
Nadur equalised just before halftime when a Joseph Zammit free-kick was headed on by De Jesus De Santana, and Matthias Mercieca headed home.
In the second half, Xaghra had a chance to secure the win, but Castano’s header struck the post.
SK Victoria Wanderers secured an emphatic 6-0 victory over Oratory Youths, ensuring they will avoid the relegation play-off.
The Wanderers dominated the game, scoring four goals in the first half.
The standout performer was striker Igor Henrique, who netted a hat-trick (12, 48, 61), making him the league’s top scorer with 18 goals.
The other three goals for the Wanderers were scored by Neil Camilleri (9), David Garba (23) and Caique Silvio Souza Da Silva (35).
At Kerċem Stadium, the final matches of the Second Division championship took place, with four teams concluding their league commitments.
Kerċem Ajax, already crowned champions, secured a 3-2 victory against Għarb Rangers, maintaining their perfect record throughout the season.
The Ajax scored three goals in the first half through Jason Theuma (20), Andrea Debrincat (42), and Carlos Cutajar (43).
Għarb responded strongly at the start of the second half, scoring two quick goals via Baldwin Osayi Ogbinobaro (47) and Cleavon Zammit (48), but Kerċem held on to claim the win.
Sannat Lions finished the league on a positive note, consolidating their second place after winning their final matches.
First they clinched a dramatic 4-3 victory against St Lawrence Spurs.
Sannat took an early two-goal lead through Aud-Gustine James Obaje (6) and Paul Said (12). The Saints fought back and levelled matters with goals from Jurgen Attard (42) and Eman Bugeja (48).
Sannat regained the lead through Obaje (62), but St. Lawrence levelled again through Jake Saliba (76).
Sannat finally secured the win when George Portelli netted the winner six minutes from time.
In their second match, Sannat defeated Għarb Rangers 2-1.
Jean Gustavo Da Silva (34) scored after converting the rebound from a saved penalty and Aaron Azzopardi (59) doubled the lead.
Ogbinobaro (66) pulled one back for Għarb from the penalty spot, but their hopes faded when Anthony Sultana was sent off in the 71st minute after receiving a second yellow card.
Munxar Falcons, who finished in third place, recorded one win and one loss in their final two matches.
Munxar defeated Żebbuġ Rovers 4-1.
Samwel Muscat opened the scoring from a penalty on 21 minutes but Żebbuġ equalised through Oliver Cremona (32).
Munxar dominated the second half, scoring three more times through a Muscat penalty (60), Nathaniel Mercieca (76), and Chris Ronaldo Bohui (82).
However, in their second match, Munxar suffered a 2-0 defeat against St Lawrence Spurs.
Jurgen Attard (45) and Padilla Pedrozo (90) secured the win for the Spurs, who finished fourth.
NEXT FIXTURES
APRIL 5 – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Oratory vs Għajnsielem 14.00
GFA DIVISION TWO
Kerċem vs Żebbuġ Rovers 16.00
APRIL 6 – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
SK Victoria vs Nadur 14.00
Xagħra vs Xewkija Tigers 16.00
APRIL 10 – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Xewkija vs SK Victoria 19.00
