Champions Qala continue to struggle
Xewkija Tigers and Kerċem Ajax both registered victories over Nadur Youngsters and Ghajnsielem respectively, to confirm their status as the main challengers for this season’s league title.
Champions Qala Saints continued to disappoint, managing only a draw against SK Victoria Wanderers.
Xewkija Tigers consolidated their top position in the standings with a 3-1 win over Nadur Youngsters.
For much of the first half, Nadur surprised their opponents and created several scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise.
Late in the half, Xewkija took control with a brace from Brian Parada (41, 45) to go two goals ahead by the half-time interval.
In the second half, Nadur’s reaction was weak, while Xewkija managed the game effectively and extended their lead in the 82nd minute through Marcelo Barbosa.
Nadur scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute through Pedrinho.
Kercem Ajax also continued their strong challenge for Gozo’s top honour with a resounding 5-0 victory over Għajnsielem.
The match was well-contested in the first half, with Għajnsielem enjoying more possession and creating the better chances, but their forwards failed to capitalise.
After the break, Kercem came out more aggressively and dominated the match, scoring five times.
Isaias Cruz (50) and Nenem (64) put Kerċem in control.
Despite being reduced to ten men in the 70th minute, when Gabriel Farrugia was sent off for a second booking, they sealed the win with further goals from Mateus Lima (77), a penalty by Mario Henrique (82), and another goal from Cruz (90).
In the other First Division match, Qala Saints and SK Victoria Wanderers shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw after an eventful encounter in which Qala had two players sent off.
The first half devoid of scoring opportunities, but the Wanderers went ahead in the 33rd minute through Sam Harland.
The Wanderers made a bright start to the second half and doubled their lead on 49 minutes with another goal from Harland.
Qala appeared disorganised and suffered another setback in the 63rd minute when Sergipe was sent off for a reckless tackle..
However, the Wanderers failed to administer their advantage, and Qala fought back to level the score through Lucas Baretto (71) and a penalty from Andre Martins (84).
Just a minute later, Martins was sent off for dissent toward the assistant referee, and seconds from full-time, Qala almost stole the win when Nicholas Inguanez incredibly missed from a promising position.
Division Two
St Lawrence Spurs continued their excellent start to the season by coming from behind to beat Żebbuġ Rovers 4-2. After this defeat, Żebbuġ remain bottom of the table without a point.
The standout performer for the Spurs was striker Felipe Augusto, who scored all four goals (28, 33, 67, 89 pen).
Żebbuġ’s goals came from a penalty by Haraan Gonçalves Barbosa (20) and Jake Sacco (51).
Oratory Youths and Munxar Falcons shared the points in a 1-1 draw, giving Oratory their first point of the season.
Oratory took the lead in the 65th minute through a penalty by Aroldinho, but Ayesller Carvalho levelled matters for Munxarin the 74th minute.
Munxar finished the game with ten men after Eman Bugeja was sent off in the 80th minute for dissent following a second yellow card.
NEXT FIXTURES
PLAYING ON FRIDAY – SANNAT GROUND
GFA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
St Lawrence vs Oratory 19.00
SATURDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM
GFA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
Nadur vs Xaghra Utd 13.00
Kerċem Ajax vs Qala 15.15
SUNDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM
GFA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
Xewkija vs Munxar 13.00
Għajnsielem vs Sannat 15.00
