A dramatic semi-final clash at the Gozo Stadium saw Nadur Youngsters FC triumph over Qala Saints FC 4-3 after extra time in a seven-goal spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Qala Saints took the early initiative with Ezequiel Eduardo Ruiz opening the scoring in the 28th minute. But Nadur Youngsters responded before the break, with Brandon Said netting the equaliser in the 41st minute.
The second half brought more drama as Diego Pires Dall’Oca put Nadur ahead in the 72nd minute, only for Ruiz to complete his brace from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, leveling the score at 2-2.
Just as the match looked to be heading into extra time without further incident, Qala’s Nathan Chukwudi Njoku received a red card in the 98th minute, reducing his team to 10 men at a crucial moment.
In extra time, Joseph Xerri made the most of the numerical advantage, scoring in the 104th minute to restore Nadur’s lead. But the drama wasn’t over. Igor Nedeljkovic produced a clutch equaliser for Qala in the 117th minute, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
However, deep into added time, Nadur struck the final blow. In the 123rd minute, Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes scored the decisive goal to secure a place in the BOV GFA Cup Final for Nadur Youngsters FC.
It was a match filled with intensity, individual brilliance, and late heroics — a true cup classic.
Nadur will now look ahead to the final, eyeing silverware after a performance that underlined their resilience and winning mentality.
BOV GFA Cup – Semi-final 1
📅 Tuesday, 22 April 2025
📍 Gozo Stadium
Final Score (AET): Qala Saints FC 3–4 Nadur Youngsters FC
Referee: Glen Tonna
