21 September 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 2) Gozo Stadium
Kercem Ajax FC : 3
Xewkija Tigers FC : 3
18’ (0-1) Angel Manuel Bustos
39’ (1-1) Gabriel Farrugia
49’ (2-1) Natal Cidcley Severiano (Nenem)
68’ (2-2) penalty Brian Alejandro Parada
80’ (2-3) Brian Alejandro Parada
89’ (3-3) Mateus Fernandes De Souza Lima
Kercem A:
D. Spiteri, M. Fernandes De Souza Lima, D. Bogdanovic, J. Theuma, N.C. Severiano (Nenem), R. Saliba, M. Henrique Fernandes Cardoso, A. Xuereb (A. Azzopardi 46, A. Mizzi 71), G. Farrugia (A. Debrincat 76), S. Azzopardi, I. Moura Vera Cruz De Souza.
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, J. Vella, I. Xuereb, J.M. Vella, D. Bugeja, M.J. Barbosa, S. Cassar (K. Mercieca 82), G. Hili (J. Farrugia 55), A.M. Bustos, B.A. Parada, B. Armando Melo Dos Santos (Brenner).
The title challengers, Kercem Ajax and Xewkija Tigers, earned a point each from a 3-3 draw, a result that leaves Xewkija in first place, while Kercem registered their second draw from their opening two league matches.
This match lived up to expectations as both sides showed they have the potential to seriously challenge for the league title. Kercem and Xewkija both possess dangerous forwards, and the final result remained uncertain until the very end, with the win able to go either way.
Kercem enjoyed more possession during the first hour of play, although it was Xewkija who opened the scoring. Kercem managed to turn the result in their favour with a goal just before half-time and another early in the second half. Xewkija, however, pushed forward and netted twice in twelve minutes. But just when it looked like Xewkija were heading for a second consecutive win, Kercem scored a late equaliser so that both teams left the pitch with a point apiece.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline:
First Half
The first half was balanced as both sides tried to attack without compromising their defensive setups. Kercem enjoyed more possession and created better chances. Although Xewkija took the lead, Kercem recovered from the setback and, after equalising, continued to push forward until the break.
18’ (0-1) Xewkija broke the deadlock with their first serious action when they won a corner from a cross on the right. From the set piece delivered by Gennaro Hili, Angel Manuel Bustos anticipated the defence and netted from close distance.
24’ Kercem could have been more dangerous when, from a throw-in, a shot by Isaias Cruz from a good position went wide.
33’ Xewkija goalkeeper Adrian Parnis was alert to save centrally a good attempt from Nenem.
36’ Kercem threatened again when Mario Henrique released Nenem, but his hesitation allowed the defence to block his shot.
39’ (1-1) Kercem equalised through a free kick by Gabriel Farrugia that finished in the net despite the goalkeeper’s attempt to intervene.
42’ Another effort from Kercem, this time by Mario Henrique, was saved by Parnis.
45+2’ (Penalty appeals) Kercem appealed for a penalty when Jason Theuma’s shot from a corner was blocked by the defence.
HT (1-1)
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Second Half
Kercem came out strongly at the start of the second half and took the lead. Xewkija then reacted, first equalising and then taking the advantage. However, Kercem salvaged the result with a goal a minute from the end of normal time.
49’ (2-1) Kercem turned the result in their favour with a beautiful strike from outside the box by Natal Cidcley Sereriano (Nenem) that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
58’ Kercem went close again when a shot from Nenem was deflected, but Isaias Cruz failed to capitalise as the ball went out for a corner.
60’ Xewkija responded with a shot from Marcelo Barbosa from outside the area that was saved in two attempts by goalkeeper Daniel Spiteri.
65’ (2-2, Penalty) Xewkija restored parity when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by substitute Andre Azzopardi on fellow substitute Julian Farrugia. Despite protests, Brian Alejandro Parada converted from the spot.
80’ (2-3) Xewkija regained the lead when confusion between Kercem’s central defender and goalkeeper allowed Barbosa to pressure them, and Parada took advantage to head into the empty net.
89’ (3-3) Kercem equalised when Mateus Lima rose highest to meet Nenem’s free kick and headed into the corner of the net.
90+3’ Kercem almost won it when a header by Dejan Bogdanovic from a Nenem cross was saved by Adrian Parnis.
FT (KA 3 – XT 3)
Referee: Emanuel Grech
Asst. Referees: Shaun Calleja, Darko Stankovic
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