In the GFA Division One, Xewkija Tigers overcame Għajnsielem to finish third in the standings, while Xagħra United condemned Nadur Youngsters to relegation after coming out on top in a direct relegation clash.
Elsewhere, in First Division league matches played over the weekend, Xewkija Tigers secured a victory over Għajnsielem to finish the championship in third place, while Xagħra United won the decisive relegation battle against Nadur Youngsters, condemning Nadur to relegation.
The Gozo First Division league will conclude this weekend with the match between champions Kercem Ajax and Qala Saints.
Meanwhile, Xagħra United will contest a crucial play-off against Second Division runners-up St Lawrence Spurs for a place in next season’s top-flight.
In the final of the First Division Knock-Out competition, Kerċem Ajax struck twice before the end of normal time to register a 3-1 win over SK Victoria Wanderers, thus lifting the trophy for the third time in the club’s history.
For much of the match, play was evenly balanced, with both sides determined to claim victory.
The Wanderers were aiming to defend the honour they had won last season, while Kerċem were eager to add another trophy after already sealing the Gozo First Division league championship.
Kerċem opened the scoring in the tenth minute through Nenem, but Victoria quickly responded, turning the match into an open contest.
In the 56th minute, the Wanderers were reduced to ten men when Nicolas Orozco was sent off after receiving a second booking.
Despite this setback, they equalised in the 75th minute through a low strike by Ender Vielma. As the match appeared destined for extra time, Kerċem stunned their opponents with two goals in quick succession.
Andre Martins restored Kerċem’s lead in the 87th minute with a close-range finish, and Isaias Cruz sealed the victory two minutes later with the third goal.
Following the final whistle, GFA vice-presidents Michael Angelo Grech and Charlie Zammit along with general secretary Tony Grech, presented the trophy to Kerċem Ajax amid celebrations from players, officials, and supporters.
Xewkija Tigers recorded an emphatic 5-2 win over second-placed Għajnsielem.
With no league pressure on either side, this match marked Għajnsielem’s final game of the season, while Xewkija were keen to rebuild confidence ahead of important fixtures in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and the final of the GFA Cup.
The standout performer was Xewkija striker Brian Parada, who netted a hat-trick to move clear at the top of the league scoring charts with 18 goals.
Xewkija made the brighter start and took the lead in the 14th minute through Stefan Cassar. On 34 moinutes, Għajnsielem were awarded a penalty, but Deison Cuero’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Adrian Parnis.
Early in the second half, the same goalkeeper was sent off for a foul inside the area on Wayne Hili, and from the resulting penalty, taken on 50 minutes, Ewertton Tom made no mistake to level the score at 1-1.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Għajnsielem failed to capitalise, as Xewkija grew increasingly dangerous and struck twice within five minutes through a brace by Brian Parada (54, 59).
Ghajnsielem pulled one back through a header by Daniel Murillo in the 68th minute, but Xewkija wrapped up the victory with further goals from Manuel Bustos (81) and Parada again in stoppage time.
In the most anticipated fixture of the final matchday, Xaghra United secured a vital 3-1 victory over Nadur Youngsters in a direct relegation showdown.
Nadur needed a win to force a decider against the same opponents, while a draw would have been enough for Xagħra to finish second from bottom and earn a chance to retain their First Division status in a play-off.
As a result, the match effectively defined the season for both teams.
Xagħra adopted a cautious approach in the first half, while Nadur played more offensively and went into the break ahead thanks to a 40th-minute goal by Murilo Scarpari.
However, Xagħra emerged with renewed aggression after the interval and turned the match around with quick goals from Fabian John Xuereb (52) and Ibrahim Salis (55).
Nadur’s task became even harder in the 57th minute when Lucas Baretto was sent off following a second booking.
Xaghra sealed the victory in the 88th minute through Lucas Farrugia, confirming their place in the promotion play-off and sending Nadur down to the Second Division.
NEXT FIXTURES
SATURDAY – GOZO STADIUM
GFA DIVISION ONE
Kercem Ajax vs Qala 16.00
SUNDAY – GOZO STADIUM
PLAY-OFF
Xagħra vs St Lawrence 15.30
