GFA BOV Gozo Football League: Xaghra Stun Qala in Delayed Thriller; Kercem Extend Lead

The Matchday 16 action in the GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division provided high drama, including a match played over two days and a statement win for the league leaders at the Gozo Stadium.

In a match that required two days to finish, Xaghra United FC pulled off a vital 2-1 upset against Qala Saints FC. The game began on Friday evening, with Ibrahim Salis giving Xaghra an early lead in the 8th minute. However, the stadium was plunged into darkness in the 53rd minute due to a power failure, forcing the remainder of the match to be postponed to Saturday.

When play resumed, Qala Saints found an equalizer through Gilberto Martins Leite Carrara (60’). The deadlock didn’t last long, as Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos (Pedrinho) restored Xaghra’s lead in the 72nd minute. Despite Pedrinho receiving a red card in the 89th minute, Xaghra held on for three crucial points in their bid to move away from the bottom of the table.

League leaders Kercem Ajax FC tightened their grip on the title race with a narrow 3-2 victory over Xewkija Tigers FC. Kercem looked comfortable after goals from Gabriel Vella (27’) and Andrew Mizzi (41’), but Xewkija fought back through Angel Manuel Bustos (55’). A penalty from Natal Cidcley Saveriano (Nenem) in the 66th minute proved to be the winner, despite a late stoppage-time penalty from Xewkija’s Abou Toure (90+3’).

In Sunday’s other fixture, SK Victoria Wanderers FC dominated Nadur Youngsters FC with a convincing 4-0 win. Mustapha Lawal Amodu netted a brace (3’, 53’), while Matthias Cordina (79’) and Ender Duvan Alvarez Vielma (87’) added further gloss to the scoreline.