SK Victoria Wanderers FC claimed the GFA 1st Division KO trophy with a commanding 3-0 victory over Xaghra United FC in the final at the Gozo Stadium earlier today. The Wanderers were in control from start to finish, with Igor Henrique Da Silva Costa delivering a brace in the first half to give his side a comfortable lead.
The match started at a lively pace, and it was SK Victoria Wanderers who struck first in the 24th minute. Da Silva Costa found the back of the net with a clinical finish, putting the Wanderers ahead early on. Xaghra United struggled to find a response, with SK Victoria looking the more dangerous side throughout the opening stages.
Just 14 minutes later, Da Silva Costa doubled his tally and extended the lead for the Wanderers. In the 38th minute, he finished off a well-worked move to make it 2-0, putting SK Victoria in a commanding position heading into the break.
Xaghra United had a golden opportunity to get back into the match just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time. However, Caique Silvio Souza Da Silva, representing SK Victoria Wanderers, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but the goalkeeper saved it, and the score remained 2-0 at the half.
The second half saw Xaghra United trying to mount a comeback, but their hopes were dashed in the 89th minute when Steve Sultana received a red card for a late challenge, reducing Xaghra to ten men.
In the dying seconds of the match, SK Victoria Wanderers sealed their victory with a third goal. In the 90+6’ minute, Sam Harland found the back of the net to complete the 3-0 scoreline and secure the trophy for his side.
It was a dominant performance by SK Victoria Wanderers, who added another trophy to their collection with an impressive display in the KO final, while Xaghra United will reflect on missed opportunities and a frustrating end to the match.
