The 2025/2026 Gozitan football season kicked off at the Gozo Stadium over the weekend with three matches from the opening round.
Matchday One immediately delivered surprises as champions Qala Saints fell short of expectations, suffering defeat against title challengers Xewkija Tigers. Għajnsielem secured a win over Xagħra United, and newly promoted Kercem Ajax – who are aiming high this season – earned a draw against SK Victoria Wanderers.
Xewkija Tigers claimed a deserved 2-0 victory over reigning champions Qala Saints, underlining their ambition to reclaim the league crown after an absence of eight years.
The two sides had only just met a few days earlier in the MFA Jubilee Cup, a tie that saw Qala ease through with a comfortable 3-0 win.
This time, however, the Tigers appeared far more determined and direct in their play. They dictated proceedings for much of the game, created the better chances, and their win was fully merited.
Argentine striker Brian Parada proved the match-winner, striking twice — first with a headed effort on 18 minutes, then sealing the result with a lob over the goalkeeper in the 79th minute.
Għajnsielem also started their league campaign strongly, collecting three valuable points with a 2-0 win against Xagħra United.
The encounter was seen as a direct clash between two teams expected to fight to avoid relegation.
Għajnsielem were the superior side throughout and might have won by a larger margin if not for the heroics of Xagħra goalkeeper Winston Santos, who pulled off a string of crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.
Għajnsielem took the lead on 32 minutes through a Baldwin Igbinobaro header but struggled to add to their advantage despite sustained dominance.
Xagħra’s hopes suffered a major setback in the 85th minute when central defender Savio Galea was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
In stoppage time, Daniel Murillo Borrero sealed the points for Għajnsielem with a close-range finish.
Meanwhile, SK Victoria Wanderers and Kercem Ajax began their campaigns on a positive note by taking a point each in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams their eyes set on the three points as newly-promoted Kerċem Ajax are eager to establish themselves among the leading sides, while the Wanderers are targeting a place in the top half of the table after several seasons battling relegation.
The match developed into a fiercely contested affair, with both defences often managing to contain their opponents’ attacking threats.
Kercem came close to opening the score on 29 minutes when Gabriel Farrugia’s strike hit the crossbar.
The Ajax eventually broke the deadlock in the 57th minute as Mario Henrique headed in following a corner action.
However, the Wanderers managed to rescue a point when Jose Wilkson equalised in the 74th minute with a header from a set-piece situation.
NEXT FIXTURES
PLAYING ON FRIDAY
GFA DIVISION ONE
GOZO STADIUM
Nadur Y. vs SK Victoria W. 19.00
PLAYING ON SATURDAY
Challenge Cup Div. II SFs
GOZO STADIUM
Żebbuġ R. vs Munxar F. 16.00
Sannat Lions vs Għarb R. 18.00
SUNDAY
GFA DIVISION ONE
GOZO STADIUM
Qala Saints vs Xagħra Utd 16.00
Kercem Ajax vs Xewkija T. 18.00
