3 March 2024
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 15) Gozo Stadium
Kercem Ajax FC: 1
Xewkija Tigers FC : 2
6’ (0-1) Rodney Buttigieg
36’ (1-1) Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos
76’ (1-2) Brian Alejandro Parada
Kercem A:
G. Bugeja, I. Barbosa Da Silva (C. Attard 67), J. Theuma, O.G. Fernandes, K.L. Nunes Santos, P. Vinicius De Moraes Ferreira, A. Mizzi, O.P. Bugeja, G. Cardona, K. Formosa, S. Azzopardi.
Xewkija T:
N. Kosanin, J. Axiak (Ju. Vella 75), Js. Vella, D. Bogdanovic, A. Debrincat (D. Bugeja 49), R. Buttigieg, A. Bozovic, C.D. Frances, M. Bonnici (M. Mercieca 63), B.A. Parada, C. Abela.
Xewkija Tigers made up for a disappointing period where they dropped points against teams from the lower part of the table with a 2-1 win over Kercem Ajax. This match was a direct clash between two sides who were aiming for the win to take the third spot on the table and at the same time they extended their lead over the teams who were still at risk of ending up in second place from the bottom
In this match, the two sides came out determined as Kercem were aiming to extend their recovery which they registered in the matches of the second round while Xewkija wanted to re-establish their position in the upper part of the table even though they were not among the contenders for the title. The match between Kercem and Xewkija was well contested and could have easily ended in a draw but the Tigers obtained the victory with a goal that arrived in the last part of the encounter.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline:
Xewkija came out in better shape and managed to put their heads in front at an early stage but Kercem recovered from the shock and produced a reaction so that they levelled the score and held supremacy of play during the last part of the first period.
6’ (0-1) Matthias Bonnici released Rodney Buttigieg inside Kercem’s area and the striker placed in goal with a low shot towards the far post.
14’ (goal disallowed) Kercem almost levelled the score when Xewkija’s defence cleared badly a cross-shot by Andrew Mizzi and the ball ended in the net but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper.
22’ Xewkija threatened Kercem’s defence through a cross by Rodney Buttigieg but Brian Alejandro Parada’s header was neutralised by goalie Gaetano Bugeja.
25’ Kercem replied with a strike by Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes that was saved with difficulty to a corner by goalie Nikola Kosanin.
34’ Kercem could have scored the equaliser when Andrew Mizzi delivered an inviting low cross from the right flank but Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos hit badly from an ideal position and the ball ended away from goal.
36’ (1-1) Kercem recovered the deficit from a similar action when Gabriel Cardona crossed from the right and Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos made up for his previous mistake and converted in goal from close distance.
38’ Kercem kept insisting and were dangerous through a shot from outside the area by Karl Formosa but Xewkija’s goalie Nikola Kosanin managed to recover his position and saved to a corner.
HT (1-1)
Second Half
Kercem maintained their momentum after the resumption and tried to increase their efforts in an attempt to turn the score in their favour and on the other hand Xewkija were forced to protect their area with more players and tried to threaten Kercem’s defence with sporadic breaks.
8’ Kercem’s Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos had a shot from a good position but the ball ended wide.
13’ Kercem produced a dangerous action within Xewkija’s area but attempts by Pablo Vinicius De Moraes Ferreira and Gabriel Cardona were blocked by the defence.
21’ Kercem kept insisting and went again close to score but a strike by Karl Formosa ended just over the crossbar.
25’ Xewkija had their first serious attempt of the second period through a fine shot from a good position by Brian Alejandro Parada but Kercem’s goalie Gaetano Bugeja had an effective reaction and turned to a corner in style.
31’ (1-2) Xewkija regained the lead when Claudio Daniel Frances released Brian Alejandro Parada who entered the area, passed his direct opponent and netted with a low shot.
FT (KA 1 – XT 2)
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
Assistant Referees: Anthony Paul Vella, Patrick Falzon
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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