Three quarter-final matches of the GFA First Division Knock-Out competition were played last weekend, with Qala Saints, Xewkija Tigers, and Kercem Ajax each earning hard-fought victories in matches that remained undecided until the final stages.
The three teams now join holders SK Victoria Wanderers, who progressed to the semi-finals through a bye.
Qala Saints booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Nadur Youngsters.
The Youngsters opened the scoring on 25 minutes through Daniel Vella, but Qala managed to recover and equalised in the 42nd minute thanks to Ibrahim Mohammed.
Qala had the better start after the break and scored the decisive goal on 53 minutes through Nathan Njoku, securing a well-deserved qualification.
Xewkija Tigers claimed a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Għajnsielem to secure their place in the semi-finals of the First Division Knock-Out.
This was the second meeting between the sides in a week, but in this encounter, Xewkija found the going far more difficult, as Ghajnsielem proved determined and came close to eliminating the Tigers.
Għajnsielem took the lead on nine minutes through Baldwin Igbinobaro.
Xewkija reacted well, and Abou Toure equalised on 28 minutes.
The match remained fiercely contested, and Għajnsielem regained the lead in the second half through Jhon Gonzales (71).
When it seemed Għajnsielem were heading for victory, Xewkija levelled again with a goal from Marcelo Barbosa in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Għajnsielem took the lead for the third time in the 98th minute with a goal from Hayden Muscat, but Xewkija equalised once more in the 100th minute through Abou Toure.
Għajnsielem appeared unsettled, and a minute later, Xewkija scored the goal that ultimately decided the match, through Stefan Cassar.
Għajnsielem thought they had forced a penalty shoot-out when Deison Cuero netted in the final minute of extra time following a free-kick action, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by the same player.
Kercem Ajax kept alive their hopes of challenging for major honours in Gozo football as they earned a semi-final place with a penalty shoot-out victory over Xagħra United.
After extra time, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Kercem prevailed 4-2 on penalties.
Kerċem were favourites heading into the tie, but Xagħra were well organised and remained confident of securing an upset.
Xaghra took the lead in the 29th minute through Lucas Farrugia, but Kerċem equalised on 32 minutes through Andrea Debrincat.
Both sides created some good opportunities to take the lead, but the score remained unchanged until the end of extra time, sending the match to penalties.
Kerċem successfully converted their first four attempts through Mario Henrique, Nenem, Mateus Lima, and Juan Leite.
Xaghra scored twice through Jacare and Lucas Farrugia, but Claudir fired his penalty over the bar, and Daniel Sowatey’s effort was saved by the Kerċem goalkeeper.
GFA DIVISION TWO
In the final match from the third round of the Second Division league, promotion contenders Għarb Rangers and Sannat Lions earned a point each in a goalless draw, a result that prevented either side from going top of the standings.
Sannat appeared to be the more adventurous team throughout, but Għarb remained solid at the back, and clear goal-scoring opportunities were rare.
