15 November 2025
GFA KO 1st Division (Q/final) Kercem Stadium
Qala Saints FC : 2
Nadur Youngsters FC : 1
25’ (0-1) Daniel Vella
42’ (1-1) Ibrahim Mohammed
53’ (2-1) Nathan Chukwudi Njoku
Qala S:
O. Attard, N. Inguanez, J. Sph. Buttigieg, J.A. Ferreira Dos Santos (Sergipe), M. Camilleri, J. Zammit (G. Cardona 79), E. Buttigieg, G. Santos Lemos, N.C. Njoku, I., Mohammed, G., Martins Leite Carrara.
Nadur Y:
Z. Vella, P.P. Camilleri (K. Xuereb 67), M. Scarpari, D.F. Rodriguez Angulo, J. Xerri, B. Said (L. Buttigieg 30), O.P. Bugeja, N. Mifsud, D. Vella, L.N. Gutierrez, J.P. Oliveira Santos (Pedrinho).
In a quarter-final match of the First Division Knock-Out competition, Qala Saints came from behind to earn a 2–1 victory over Nadur Youngsters, scoring a goal in each half.
In this encounter, both teams were aiming for a place in the semi-finals as they sought to extend the positive form they had found in recent weeks, following a disappointing start to the league.
The match was fiercely contested from start to finish, and the result remained uncertain until the final moments. Qala’s win was sealed through a decisive goal early in the second half, allowing them to manage the game more effectively and resist Nadur’s efforts to recover the scoreline.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline:
First Half
The opening half was evenly balanced, with Nadur taking the lead before Qala reacted well and eventually equalised. Qala later intensified pressure on the opposing defence, but the score remained level until the break.
8’ (Disallowed Goal) Qala appeared to take the lead when Ibrahim Mohammed found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
10’ Nadur responded with a shot by Pedrinho, which was saved by Qala goalkeeper Owen Attard.
19’ Nadur keeper Zac Vella did well to deny a dangerous attempt from Gilberto Carrara.
24’ Qala missed a good chance when a header by Joseph Zammit from a Carrara cross went over the bar.
25’ (0–1) Nadur opened the scoring through a headed effort by Daniel Vella, after Qala’s defence was caught off guard. According to the assistant referee, the ball had crossed the line before being cleared by the goalkeeper Attard.
37’ Nadur went close again as substitute Leander Buttigieg’s shot from a Pedrinho corner finished wide.
42’ (1–1) Qala equalised when Joseph Zammit sent the ball to Ibrahim Mohammed, who struck past the goalkeeper from a good position.
45+2’ Nadur’s goalkeeper Zac Vella produced a fine save to tip over a free-kick effort by Pedrinho.
HT (1–1)
Second Half:
Qala started the second half on the front foot and turned the score in their favour. They held control for most of the remaining minutes and kept Nadur’s reaction at bay. Nadur created some late chances to force extra time but failed to convert and was ultimately eliminated.
8’ (2–1) Qala Saints took the lead as Nathan Njoku broke into the box and beat the goalkeeper with a low strike.
12’ Nadur replied with a Pedrinho free kick that sailed over the crossbar.
21’ Qala could have extended their lead, but Ibrahim Mohammed’s effort from a promising position finished wide.
25’ From a Carrara corner, Nathan Njoku headed just off target from close range.
31’ Nadur goalkeeper Zac Vella was alert to stop a free-kick attempt by Gilberto Carrara.
44’ Nadur threatened when Qala failed to clear a Pedrinho free kick, but Joseph Xerri’s shot was blocked.
45+4’ Nadur had a final chance from a corner, but Murillo Scarpari fired over from a good position after Qala failed to clear properly.
FT (QS 2 – NY 1)
Referee: Alex Johnson
Asst. Referees: Vasil Vasilev, Kurt Saliba
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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