Thriller in Extra Time as Nadur Youngsters Edge Qala Saints to Reach BOV GFA Cup Final
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.
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.
Kercem Ajax Edge SK Victoria Wanderers in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach BOV GFA 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.
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.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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