25 April 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 21) Gozo Stadium
Kercem Ajax FC : 2
Qala Saints FC : 1
8’ (1-0) Michael Camilleri
27’ (1-1) o.g. Dejan Bogdanovic
53’ (2-1) Andre Gabriel Castro Martins
Kercem A:
F. Vella, D. Bogdanovic, J. Theuma (G. Farrugia 46, L. Atzori 65), A. Mizzi, A. Xuereb (G. Muscat 46), R. Cicolin Bosquero, E.V. Kezyk Coimbra, S. Azzopardi (A. Azzopardi 68), I. Moura Vera Cruz De Souza, M. Camilleri (R. Saliba 46).
Qala S:
O. Attard, N. Inguanez (K. Mifsud 74), J.A. Ferreira Dos Santos (Sergipe), M. Camilleri, M. Buttigieg, W.A. Dantas Dos Santos (Bahia), E. Buttigieg, J. Parnis, G. Cardona, I. Mohammed, G. Martins Leite Carrara (J. Zammit 74).
Kercem Ajax celebrated winning the league after forty years by securing a 2–1 victory over Qala Saints, also achieving their twelfth consecutive win in the league.
This was the final match of the championship, played in an atmosphere of celebration by Kercem Ajax supporters. It was a highly competitive game, as Qala looked determined to finish the season with a positive result, keeping the outcome uncertain until the very end.
As a result, the team led by coach Daniel Bogdanovic ended the season with an impressive record of 15 wins out of 18 matches, losing only once and drawing twice. Kercem Ajax also had the league’s best attack, scoring 50 goals, and the best defence, conceding only 16 goals.
In this match, Kercem Ajax confirmed that their league title was fully deserved. Despite having nothing at stake, they still produced high-level football and showed strong character to push for a winning finish to the season. Kercem started better in this final match and managed to score early, but Qala grew into the game and equalised, making it more open.
Kercem scored the decisive goal early in the second half through striker Andre Martins. With this goal, the Portuguese forward finished as the league’s second top scorer with 16 goals, while the top scorer title went to Xewkija Tigers striker Brian Parada with 18 goals.
After the match, the medal and trophy presentation took place. Kerċem Ajax were presented with the champions’ trophy by Ms Charmaine Borg, Regional Manager for Gozo at Bank of Valletta, together with Gozo Football Association President Dr Samuel Azzopardi and other officials, amid celebrations by players, staff, and supporters.
Timeline
First Half:
The first half was balanced, although clear chances were limited at both ends. Kercem were more aggressive and took the lead, but Qala responded to level the score.
7’ Qala nearly scored early, but Ibrahim Mohammed’s shot went over.
8’ (1–0) Kercem opened the scoring when Eduardo Coimbra delivered a low cross; the defence cleared poorly, and Michael Camilleri scored with a half-volley.
27’ Qala responded with a shot from Matteo Camilleri, saved for a corner by Kercem goalkeeper Franklin Vella.
27’ (1–1) From the resulting corner by Gilberto Carrara, defender Dejan Bogdanovic accidentally turned the ball into his own net while trying to clear.
39’ Qala threatened again, but a free kick by Wallisson Bahia went over.
HT (1-1)
Second Half:
In the second half, Kercem took control and scored the decisive goal, managing Qala’s response and securing a winning end to their championship season.
8’ (2–1) Kercem regained the lead when Andrew Mizzi crossed low from the right and Andre Martins scored on the rebound.
21’ Qala responded with a free kick from Gilberto Carrara; Junior Sergipe headed the ball into the box, but Wallisson Bahia’s header went off target and the defence cleared.
22’ Qala threatened again with a shot from Ibrahim Mohammed, which was saved by Franklin Vella.
28’ Kercem nearly sealed the win as Andrew Mizzi set up Lorenzo Atzori, but his effort was denied by goalkeeper Owen Attard.
30’ (penalty appeals) Kercem appealed for a penalty after contact between Andre Martins and Junior Sergipe.
32’ (penalty appeals) Kercem appealed again when Andre Martins was challenged by Emanuel Buttigieg, but the referee awarded a free kick.
32’ (crossbar) From the resulting free kick, Andre Martins’ shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Owen Attard.
44’ (disallowed goal) Kercem thought they had secured the win when Andre Martins scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
FT (KA 2 – QS 1)
Referee: Anthony Paul Vella
Asst. Referees: Andrea Naudi, Darko Stankovic
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