The GFA 1st Division Knock-Out semi-finals delivered high drama and emphatic football at the Kerċem Stadium, producing two finalists after a tense penalty shootout and a dominant display in the second fixture.
SK Victoria Wanderers FC 1–1 Qala Saints FC (a.e.t.)
SK Victoria Wanderers win 4–2 on penalties
Referee: Reuben Spiteri Delicata
The afternoon semi-final offered a gripping contest between SK Victoria Wanderers and Qala Saints, ultimately decided from the penalty spot after a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes.
SK Victoria Wanderers made a strong start and opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Sam Harland finished clinically to give his side the early advantage.
However, Qala Saints struck back moments before halftime. In the second minute of added time, Ibrahim Mohammed levelled the score with a well-placed effort, shifting momentum heading into the break.
The second half and extra time saw chances at both ends, but neither side managed to find a winner, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
Qala Saints:
- Gilberto Carrara – scored
- Matteo Camilleri – scored
- Sergipe – saved
- Gustavo Lemos – scored
- Gabriel Cardona – wide
SK Victoria Wanderers:
- Jose Wilkson – scored
- Caique Souza – scored
- Mateus Gomes – scored
- Sam Harland – scored
Flawless execution from all four Wanderers takers secured a 4–2 shootout victory, sending SK Victoria Wanderers into the final.
Xewkija Tigers FC 1–6 Kercem Ajax FC
Referee: Ezekiel Barbara
The second semi-final saw Kercem Ajax deliver a commanding performance, overwhelming Xewkija Tigers with a six-goal display to book their place in the final.
Kercem took control early, with Andrea Debrincat breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute. The lead doubled seven minutes later when Isaias Moura Vera Cruz De Souza made it 0–2.
After halftime, Ajax pushed further ahead through Mateus Fernandes De Souza Lima in the 67th minute. Xewkija briefly sparked hope when Claudio Daniel Frances pulled one back in the 71st minute, but the comeback was short-lived.
Kercem reasserted dominance as De Souza struck again in the 85th minute for 1–4. Moments later, Xewkija missed a penalty when Natal Cidley Severiano (Nen) saw his effort saved.
Deep into stoppage time, Kercem added two more goals:
- 90+2’ – Mateus Fernandes De Souza Lima (5–1)
- 90+5’ – Mario Henrique Fernandes Cardoso (6–1)
A ruthless performance sealed Kercem Ajax’s spot in the final in emphatic fashion.
Finalists Confirmed
The GFA 1st Division Knock-Out Final will feature:
SK Victoria Wanderers FC vs Kercem Ajax FC
A classic showdown awaits as the disciplined Wanderers meet the free-scoring Ajax in what promises to be an intense and high-quality final.
