Xewkija Tigers and Kerċem Ajax in six-goal thriller

Title challengers Xewkija Tigers and Kerċem Ajax shared the spoils in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while reigning champions Qala Saints collected their first points of the season after defeating Xagħra United.

In the other fixture, Nadur Youngsters and SK Victoria Wanderers played out a 2-2 draw.

Title contenders Kerċem Ajax and Xewkija Tigers produced an exciting encounter which saw them share six goals.

Both teams went out for the three points with Kerċem enjoying the majority of the possession during the opening hour.

But it was Xewkija who struck first against the run of play on 18 minutes through Manuel Angel Bustos.

Kerċem kept pushing and turned the game in their favour thanks to a well-struck free kick by Gabriel Farrugia on 39 minutes and a goal from Nenem ten minutes later.

Xewkija pulled level on 68 minutes when they were awarded a penalty and Brian Parada made no mistake.

The Argentine forward then put Xewkija back in front on 80 minutes when he capitalised on a defensive lapse to head into an empty net.

But Kerċem mounted a late rally and salvaged the draw on 89 minutes through a powerful header from central defender Mateus Lima.

Champions Qala Saints made amends for their opening day defeat by securing a 2-0 win over Xagħra United.

For Xagħra, this was a second successive defeat, leaving them as the only team without a point after two matches.

Qala held the majority of possession but Xagħra looked well organised in defence.

Qala broke the deadlock on 64 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Gabriel Cardona, and Andre Martins cooly converted from the spot.

Xagħra’s response was weak, and Qala sealed the three points with a stoppage-time goal from Joseph Zammit.

In the other top-flight fixture, Nadur Youngsters and SK Victoria Wanderers took a point following a 2-2 draw.

The first half was evenly balanced, with few real chances, but the match came alive in the second period as both teams pushed forward.

Nadur went ahead in the 50th minute through Joseph Xerri, who pounced ahead of the goalkeeper to score.

However, the Wanderers reacted strongly, turning the result in their favour with goals from Joe Wilkson (56) and Andre Cutler (74).

In stoppage time, Nadur saved a point thanks to a superb long-range strike by Pedrinho.

Challenge Cup

Zebbuġ Rovers and Sannat Lions booked their place in the final of the GFA Second Division Challenge Cup.

Żebbuġ Rovers edged Munxar Falcons 4-2 after extra-time.

Żebbuġ looked on course for a comfortable win after taking a two-goal lead through Goncalves Barbosa (67, 73).

Munxar’s hopes were dented when Eman Bugeja was sent off in the 75th minute, but substitute Jamie Vella produced a stunning response with two goals that forced extra time.

Żebbuġ made the most of their numerical advantage as they sealed qualification with goals from Harry Paulin (93) and Barbosa (103).

In the second semi-final, Sannat Lions claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Għarb Rangers thanks to a 55th-minute strike by Igor Nedeljkovic.

NEXT FIXTURES

PLAYING ON SATURDAY (Gozo Stadium)

GFA DIVISION ONE

Għajnsielem vs Nadur        18.00

SUNDAY (Gozo Stadium)

GFA DIVISION ONE

Xagħra Utd vs Kerċem         16.00

SK Victoria W. vs Xewkija   18.00