7 April 2025
BOV GFA Cup Final, Gozo Stadium
Nadur Youngsters FC : 3
Kercem Ajax FC : 0
2’ (1-0) Ian Xuereb
6’ (penalty missed – saved) Cesar Velez Da Silva (KA)
21’ (2-0) Brandon Said
56’ (3-0) Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes
Nadur Y:
S. Sultana, I. De Jesus De Santana, D. Pires Dall’Oca (L. Buttigieg 90+2), R.C. Prudente (S. Xuereb 78), J. Zammit, B. Said (M. Mercieca 89), O.P. Bugeja (K. Xuereb 90+2), G. Farrugia (J. Xerri 78), I. Xuereb, G. Muscat, O.G. Fernandes.
Kercem A:
F. Vella, D. Cassar, A. Azzopardi, J. Theuma, R. Saliba, L. Atzori (C. Cutajar 46), C. Vella (K. Sciberras 78), A. Mizzi, A. Xuereb (A. Debrincat 46), S. Azzopardi, C. Velez Da Silva.
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In the final of the BOV GFA Cup, Nadur Youngsters claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Second Division champions Kercem Ajax, securing this second most prestigious honour in Gozitan football for the 11th time in the club’s history.
For this 50th edition of the BOV GFA Cup final, both teams were highly motivated to win the honour: Nadur were seeking to make up for the disappointment suffered in the league, while Kercem were looking to end a memorable season, during which they dominated the Second Division competitions, with a major Gozitan football title. However, the match’s momentum was shaped by key events early on, as Nadur scored an early goal and avoided conceding an equaliser after Kercem missed a penalty. As time went on, Nadur grew in confidence, doubled their lead midway through the first half, and managed Kercem’s reaction more effectively, exposing the difference in division between the two teams. Nadur’s win was therefore well-deserved, as they maintained a comfortable lead throughout the ninety minutes.
After the match, the BOV GFA Cup medals and trophy were presented to the finalists and winners by Ms. Charmaine Borg, Regional Manager of Bank of Valletta in Gozo, along with GFA Vice Presidents Michelangelo Grech and Charlie Zammit.
Timeline:
Nadur had a brilliant start and opened the score with their first goal attempt. After Kercem missed the chance to equalise from a penalty, Nadur took control of the game and extended their lead with a second goal, allowing them to manage the match with increased confidence.
2’ (1-0) Nadur opened the score when, following a corner, the defence’s short clearance was blocked and the ball fell to Ian Xuereb, who surprised the goalkeeper with a dipping shot.
6’ (Missed penalty – saved) Kercem responded immediately and had a chance to equalise when Andrew Mizzi broke through the defence and was brought down by goalkeeper Steve Sultana. The referee awarded a penalty, but Cesar Velez Da Silva’s shot from the spot was saved by Sultana, and the danger was eventually cleared by the defence.
12’ Nadur looked dangerous again when a low shot by Brandon Said from a Joseph Zammit cross went just wide.
14’ In response, Kercem’s Andrew Mizzi headed the ball in the box to Lorenzo Atzori, whose overhead kick flew just wide.
21’ (2-0) Nadur doubled their lead when Joseph Zammit sent in a cross from the left, Rafael Conrado Prudente’s header was partially saved by goalkeeper Franklin Vella, and Brandon Said finished off the rebound.
39’ Nadur threatened again through a curling shot by Joseph Zammit, but the ball missed the target.
45+1’ Kercem had their best chance to get back in the game when Cesar Velez Da Silva went on a solo run, but his shot was neutralised by goalkeeper Steve Sultana.
45+2’ Nadur kept pressing, and a header by Rafael Conrado Prudente from an Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes cross went over the bar.
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HT (2-0)
Second Half:
Kercem came out looking to react in the second half, but Nadur remained disciplined and extended their lead with a third goal. With time running out, the game lost interest as Kercem never looked capable of returning from the deficit.
9’ Kercem had a chance to reduce the score when substitute Andrea Debrincat’s header from a right-wing cross went over.
11’ (3-0) Nadur extended their lead by winning a corner after Brandon Said beat the defence. From the resulting corner taken by Pires Dell’Oca, Olimpio Gabriel Fernandes headed the ball into the net.
18’ Nadur goalkeeper Steve Sultana was alert and saved a header by Andrew Mizzi from a corner by Andre Azzopardi without much difficulty.
26’ Sultana was called into action again to block a powerful shot by Cesar Velez Da Silva.
31’ Kercem threatened once more with a cross-shot from Samuel Azzopardi that was saved by Nadur’s goalkeeper.
45+1’ Kercem had one final opportunity to score a consolation goal when, following a clearance from a corner taken by Andre Azzopardi, Keith Sciberras passed to Ryan Saliba, who took a shot that was deflected by Cesar Velez Da Silva, but the latter miskicked from a promising position and the ball went wide.
FT (NY 3 – KA 0)
Referee: Ezekiel Barbara
Asst. Referees: Max-Lee Muscat, Slawomir Olucha
4th Official: Joseph Scerri
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