23 April 2025
BOV GFA Cup s/final 2 Gozo Stadium
SK Victoria Wanderers FC: 2
Kercem Ajax FC: 2
Kercem A. won 6-5 on penalties
FT a.e.t.
64’ (1-0) Neil Camilleri
89’ (1-1) Cesar Velez Da Silva
94’ (1-2) Samuel Azzopardi
97’ (2-2) Igor Henrique Da Silva Costa
SK Victoria W:
O. Xuereb, W. Soares Da Silva, N. Camilleri, J.W. Meilak (A. Touarha 65, C.S. Souza Da Silva 120+3), M. Cordina, I.H. Da Silva Costa, E. Zammit, D.G. Emmanuel, J. Saliba (S. Harland 65), O. Fenech, L. Fenech.
Kercem A:
F. Vella, D. Cassar, A. Azzopardi, J. Theuma, C. Cutajar, R. Saliba, . Vella, A. Mizzi, A. Debrincat (L. Atzori 74), S. Azzopardi, C. Velez Da Silva.
In the second semi-final match of the BOV GFA Cup, second division champions Kercem Ajax surprised first division side SK Victoria Wanderers and secured qualification to the final with an 8-7 win on penalties, after extra time ended in a 2-2 draw.
This was another hard-fought match, typical of a cup tie, with both teams determined to contest the second most prestigious honour in Gozitan football. SK Victoria Wanderers, who were coming off a convincing win in the First Division Knock-Out competition, had only won this honour once before, in the 2008/2009 season. On the other hand, Kercem Ajax, who dominated all second division competitions and remain unbeaten in Gozitan football this season, had previously won this competition twice, in the 2005/2006 and 2012/2013 seasons.
Both teams displayed clear intent throughout the contest, with SK Victoria Wanderers unable to make their technical edge count and Kercem Ajax rising to the occasion with the grit of a side eager to upset a top-tier opponent. With neither able to make their advantage stick, the match ultimately went to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline:
Kercem came out more aggressively and dominated possession in the first half, creating several scoring chances. The Wanderers tried to neutralise Kercem’s initiative but struggled to create danger.
4’ Kercem launched a counterattack through Cesar Velez Da Silva, who advanced and set up Andrea Debrincat, but the striker shot over from a good position.
5’ Victoria keeper Omar Xuereb was alert and neutralised two close-range headers by Debrincat.
23’ From a defensive clearance, the ball fell to Kercerm’s Carlos Cutajar, who shot wide from a good position.
43’ Victoria had their best chance of the first half to open the score when David Garba broke into the box, but his shot was blocked by keeper Franklin Vella.
45+2’ Kercem nearly took the lead as Velez Da Silva’s shot from outside the box was partially saved, and the rebound, cleared poorly by Soares Da Silva, was struck wide by Debrincat.
HT (0-0)
Second Half:
After the break, Victoria took control and began creating chances, while Kercem focused on defending. Victoria eventually took the lead but failed to capitalise further, allowing Kercem to equalise near the end of regular time.
11’ Victoria threatened from a Matthias Cordina free kick, with Soares Da Silva heading toward goal, only for keeper Franklin Vella to save with help from the post.
13’ Vella again denied Victoria, pushing a strong effort from Igor Da Silva Costa wide. Victoria couldn’t convert from the resulting corner and two more consecutive corners.
17’ Another big chance for Victoria as Da Silva Costa rounded the keeper but had his angled shot cleared off the line by defender Samuel Azzopardi. Garba then shot wide from the rebound.
19’ (1-0) Victoria finally scored as Neil Camilleri headed in from a Matthias Cordina free kick.
23’ Victoria remained dangerous, with substitute Sam Harland’s close-range shot blocked by goalie Franklin Vella.
26’ The same goalkeeper, Vella, was well placed and saved comfortably a central shot from Emerson Zammit.
44’ (1-1) Kercem’s efforts during the final stages were rewarded as they levelled the score from a throw-in, Jason Theuma headed into the box, and Cesar Velez Da Silva nodded home from close range.
45+2’ Matthias Cordina tried from distance for Victoria, but it went high.
90 mins. (1-1)
Extra Time – 1st Half:
Kercem started confidently and went ahead, but Victoria reacted quickly and equalised again.
4’ (1-2) Kercem took the lead with a long-range cross-shot from Samuel Azzopardi that surprised the Victoria keeper.
7’ (2-2) Victoria responded immediately and levelled the score when Soares Da Silva crossed from the left and Igor Henrique Da Silva Costa headed in.
15’ Kercem went very close to regaining the lead, but a curling shot by Cesar Velez Da Silva went wide.
HT Extra Time (2-2)
Extra Time – 2nd Half:
Both teams played more cautiously to avoid risking a late goal, but near the end, the Wanderers missed good open scoring opportunities, and the match went to penalties.
6’ Kercem keeper Franklin Vella was called into action to stop two low shots from David Garba.
12’ Emerson Zammit missed a decent chance for Victoria, shooting wide.
15’ Victoria had a golden chance as David Garba entered the box and rounded the keeper, but a decisive intervention from defender Andre Azzopardi was denied.
FT After Extra Time (2-2)
Penalty Shoot-Out:
Kercem A: Cesar Velez Da Silva (scored), Jason Theuma (scored), Andrew Mizzi (scored), Lorenzo Atzori (scored), Christian Vella (high), Andre Azzopardi (scored), Daniel Cassar (scored),
SK Victoria W: Igor H Da Silva Costa (scored), Caique S. Souza Da Silva (wide), Weder Soares Da Silva (scored), Owen Fenech (scored), Emerson Zammit (scored), Matthias Cordina (scored), Luke Fenech (high).
FT after penalties (SKVW 7 – KA 8)
Referee: Vladimir Rizoski
Asst. Referees: Duncan Spencer, Keiran Mallia
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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