Kercem Ajax booked their place in the final of the 2025 BOV GFA Cup after a dramatic semi-final clash against SK Victoria Wanderers, triumphing 6–5 in a tense penalty shootout following a 2–2 draw after extra time at the Gozo Stadium.
The match came to life in the second half after a cagey opening period. It was Victoria Wanderers who broke the deadlock in the 64th minute through Neil Camilleri, whose low strike from the edge of the box found the back of the net.
Kercem Ajax responded late, with Brazilian forward Cesar Velez Da Silva drawing the teams level in the 89th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to force the game into extra time.
Just four minutes into the added period, Kercem turned the tide. Samuel Azzopardi pounced on a loose ball in the box to put his side ahead for the first time in the match.
But the Wanderers showed resilience, and just three minutes later, Igor Henrique Da Silva Costa rose highest from a corner to nod home the equalizer, making it 2–2 and sending the semi-final into penalties.
In the shootout, both sides held their nerve through the opening rounds, but it was Kercem Ajax who eventually prevailed 6–5 after a missed spot-kick by the Wanderers sealed their fate.
The victory sends Kercem Ajax into the BOV GFA Cup final, where they will face Nadur Youngsters, who edged Qala Saints in a thrilling 4–3 extra-time battle a day earlier.
Kercem’s composure from the spot and never-say-die attitude throughout the match earned them a deserved spot in what promises to be a pulsating cup final.
BOV GFA Cup Semi-Final 2
Wednesday, 23 April 2025 – Gozo Stadium
Full Time (a.e.t.): SK Victoria Wanderers 2–2 Kercem Ajax
Kercem Ajax win 6–5 on penalties
Referee: Vladimir Rizoski
