30 November 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 7) Gozo Stadium
Kercem Ajax FC: 1
Qala Saints FC : 3
23’ (1-0) Mario Henrique Fernandes Cardoso
35’ (1-1) Gilberto Martins Leite Carrara
47’ (1-2) Lucas Baretto Da Silva
55’ (1-3) Ibrahim Mohammed
Kercem A:
D. Spiteri, M. Fernandes De Souza Lima, D. Bogdanovic, J. Theuma (D. Cassar 67), N.C. Severiano (Nenem), R. Saliba, M. Henrique Fernandes Cardoso, A. Mizzi (N. Mercieca 15; L. Atzori 67), A. Xuereb (A. Debrincat 51), S. Azzopardi, I. Moura Ver Cruz De Souza.
Qala S:
O. Attard, N. Inguanez, Jsph. Buttigieg, L. Baretto Da Silva, M. Buttigieg, J. Zammit, E. Buttigieg, G. Santos Lemos (K. Mifsud 90+3), G. Cardona (M. Camilleri 81), I. Mohammed, G. Martins Leite Carrara.
In the most anticipated match of the seventh round of the BOV Gozo Football League First Division, Qala Saints came from behind to secure a 3–1 victory over Kercem Ajax. With this important win, Qala rejoined the teams at the top of the standings and kept alive their hopes of defending the championship title they won last season.
Both teams went into the match aiming for victory. Kercem, who were enjoying a good run of form and were still unbeaten at Kercem Stadium, were looking to keep pace with league leaders Xewkija Tigers. Qala, meanwhile, were determined to make up for a disappointing start to the season marked by inconsistent performances.
The match lived up to expectations in the first half, as both teams sought to impose themselves. Kercem were the better side early on, but Qala settled into the game and the first half ended level. In the second half, Qala shocked their opponents by scoring twice in quick succession and turned the match around. Kercem appeared demoralised and struggled to respond, while Qala grew in confidence and comfortably controlled the match until the final whistle.
Timeline
First Half
Both teams had spells of control, making for an open and competitive contest. Kercem appeared more effective in the opening stages and took the lead, but became overconfident and allowed Qala back into the game. Qala equalised, and in the final minutes of the half, both teams played more cautiously to avoid conceding.
10’ Kercem threatened from a free kick by Nenem, but Samuel Azzopardi headed over the bar.
16’ Gabriel Cardona tested the Kercem goalkeeper Daniel Spiteri, who saved comfortably.
19’ Ibrahim Mohammed fired over the bar for Qala from outside the box.
23’ (1–0) Kercem opened the scoring when Nenem crossed low from the right, and Mario Henrique tapped in from close range.
27’ Another effort from Nenem went just wide.
31’ (1–1) Qala equalised with a superb direct free kick by Gilberto Carrara.
HT (1–1)
Second Half
Qala made an outstanding start to the second half, scoring twice in quick succession and taking full control of the match. Kercem never looked capable of mounting a comeback.
1’ Kercem goalkeeper Daniel Spiteri denied Joseph Zammit from close range after good work by Ibrahim Mohammed.
2’ (1–2) From the resulting corner taken by Joseph Zammit, Gilberto Carrara headed into the area, and Lucas Barreto met the ball with a headed finish to put Qala in front.
10’ (1–3) Ibrahim Mohammed extended Qala’s lead with a powerful shot from outside the area after a solo run.
13’ Qala’s Joseph Zammit has an effort from an angled position that struck the side netting.
22’ Kercem missed a good opportunity when Nenem fired over after being set up by Mario Henrique.
27’ Qala’s Gilberto Carrara tried his luck at the other end, but his shot went wide.
31’ Qala goalkeeper Owen Attard produced a fine save to deny Nenem from a free kick.
32’ Mario Henrique tested Owen Attard again with a low shot following a solo run, but the Qala keeper saved well.
FT (KA 1 – QS 3)
Referee: Vladimir Rizoski
Asst. Referees: Duncan Sultana, Danilo Francalanza
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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