Qala Saints, Għajnsielem score upset victories in GFA Division One

The GFA Division One produced high drama last weekend as both Qala Saints and Għajnsielem inflicted the first defeat of the championship on Kerċem Ajax and Xewkija Tigers.

The results leave the top four teams separated by just three points, setting up a thrilling battle for supremacy.

Qala Saints reignited their title ambitions with a convincing 3-1 victory over Kerċem Ajax.

The reigning champions showed resilience after falling behind early on, when Mario Henrique struck in the 23rd minute.

Gilberto Carrara levelled matters with a superb free kick before half-time, and the Saints took control after the restart.

Lucas Baretto headed home from a corner action in the 47th minute, while Ibrahim Mohammed sealed the win with a powerful strike from outside the box on 55 minutes.

In the weekend’s other headline clash, Ghajnsielem bounced back from two consecutive defeats to shock league leaders Xewkija Tigers 3-1.

The defeat was Xewkija’s first of the campaign, while Għajnsielem climbed to second place, just one point behind the leaders.

The Tigers had the chance to take the lead on 36 minutes, but Brian Parada’s penalty was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Richard Sammut.

That miss proved costly, as James Tabone Refalo (40) and Deison Cuero (50) struck in quick succession to put Ghajnsielem two goals up.

Xewkija’s Parada made amends with a header in the 63rd minute to reduce the deficit, but in stoppage time, Ewerton Tom finished off a counterattack to secure the points.

Division Two

Għarb Rangers claimed three valuable points with a 3-1 win over Munxar Falcons, moving level at the top with Sannat Lions, though with a game less.

The victory was well deserved, as Għarb controlled the match for long stretches.

Wesley Barnaske struck twice in quick succession (18, 22) to put the Rangers firmly in command, before Kenny Hili added a third in the 71st minute.

Munxar’s hopes faded further when Emmanuel Galea was sent off in the 79th minute for halting a clear scoring opportunity.

The Falcons managed only a consolation goal deep into stoppage time, courtesy of Geordie Debono.

Oratory Youths produced the shock of the round, defeating Sannat Lions 5-3. The result lifted Oratory off the bottom of the table and handed Sannat their first loss of the campaign.

Oratory came out firing, stunning their more fancied opponents with three unanswered goals in the opening half-hour through Charlton Saliba (11), Aroldinho from the penalty spot (16), and Neil Said (30).

Their momentum was checked when Said was dismissed just before half-time.

Sannat hit back, with Tristan Grech (47) and Paul Said (54) reducing the deficit.

But Oratory refused to crumble. Jamie Xerri restored a two-goal cushion in the 75th minute, and although Igor Nedljkovic pulled one back for Sannat late on, Aroldinho sealed the upset with his second goal in stoppage time.

NEXT FIXTURES

PLAYING ON SATURDAY – KERĊEM STADIUM

GFA DIVISION TWO

Għarb R. vs St Lawrence    13.00

Żebbuġ vs Munxar F.            15.15