Kercem Ajax Near Title as Lawal Amodu Hits Hat-trick for Wanderers

Matchday 17 of the GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division at the Gozo Stadium saw significant movement at both ends of the table. While Kercem Ajax moved one step closer to securing the championship, SK Victoria Wanderers delivered a clinical performance to distance themselves from the bottom.

In the afternoon’s opening clash, SK Victoria Wanderers dismantled Xewkija Tigers with a dominant display, fueled by a sensational hat-trick from Mustapha Lawal Amodu.

The Wanderers took control early, with Ender Duvan Alvarez Vielma opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Ten minutes later, Eduard Nicolas Montenegro Orozco doubled the lead, leaving Xewkija reeling. Although Angel Manuel Bustos managed to pull one back for the Tigers in the 31st minute, any hopes of a comeback were effectively dashed just before halftime when Lawal Amodu netted his first of the day.

The second half remained competitive until the final ten minutes, when Lawal Amodu took center stage. He struck twice in quick succession (84’ and 85’) to complete his hat-trick and seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory for the Wanderers.

League leaders Kercem Ajax continued their march toward the title with a professional 4-1 win over struggling Xaghra United.

Andre Gabriel Castro Martins was the protagonist of the first half, scoring in the 24th minute before converting a crucial penalty right on the stroke of halftime. With a 2-0 lead, Kercem remained composed, and Samuel Azzopardi effectively ended the contest with a third goal in the 68th minute.

Xaghra found a late consolation through Ibrahim Salis in the 81st minute, but Kercem had the final say as Andre Azzopardi added a fourth in stoppage time to ensure the three points.

Following these results, Kercem Ajax extends their lead at the summit to 41 points, maintaining an 11-point gap (though having played more games) over Ghajnsielem. Meanwhile, SK Victoria Wanderers move to 20 points, cementing their mid-table position and leaving Xaghra United and Nadur Youngsters in a precarious fight at the bottom.