23 November 2025
GFA 1st Division Knock Out (S/Final) Kercem Stadium
Xewkija Tigers FC : 1
Kercem Ajax FC : 6
19’ (0-1) Andrea Debrincat
26’ (0-2) Isaias Moura Vera Cruz De Souza
67’ (0-3) Mateus Fernandes De Souza Lima
71’ (1-3) Claudio Daniel Frances
85’ (1-4) Isaias Moura Vera Cruz De Souza
88’ (penalty missed – saved) Natal Cidley Severiano (Nen ) (KA)
90+2’ (1-5) Mateus Fernandes De Souza Lima
90+5’ (1-6) Mario Henrique Fernandes Cardoso
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, Js. Vella, I. Xuereb, D. Bugeja, J. Buttigieg (M. Bonnici 78), S. Cassar, G. Hili (K. Mercieca 81), B.A. Parada (J. Camilleri 89), C.D. Frances, B. Armando Melo Dos Santos (G. Xerri 89), A. Toure.
Kercem A:
D. Spiteri, M. Fernandes De Souza Lima, D. Bogdanovic, N.C. Severiano (Nenem), R. Saliba, M. Henrique Fernandes Cardoso, A. Mizzi, A. Xuereb (N. Mercieca 60), G. Farrugia, A. Debrincat (J. Theuma 60), I. Moura Ver Cruz De Souza.
Kercem Ajax secured a convincing 6–1 victory over Xewkija Tigers in the second semi-final of the First Division Knock-Out competition to book their place in the final, which will be played in the closing phase of the season.
The match brought together two of the strongest teams in Gozitan football this season, both of whom remain unbeaten in the league. It was also the second meeting between the sides this campaign, following an exciting 3–3 draw in their league encounter. Although Kercem registered a comprehensive win, the match was closely contested for around eighty minutes, with both teams producing several goal-scoring opportunities.
Kercem dominated the opening half-hour and established a two-goal lead, but Xewkija gradually pushed forward and applied pressure in an effort to recover the deficit. However, a lack of composure in front of goal proved costly for Xewkija, as Kercem netted a third goal midway through the second half. Despite Xewkija reducing the deficit shortly afterwards, Kercem took full advantage of the increased space at the back and scored three more unanswered goals in the closing minutes.
This performance underlined Kerċem’s ambition to challenge for major honours in Gozitan football. The team showed character and demonstrated their readiness for high-pressure matches. Above all, Kerċem confirmed they possess a strong and balanced squad, with solid organisation in defence, an effective midfield, and a dangerous attacking line that caused constant problems for the opposition.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline
First Half:
Kercem took control from the opening minutes, effectively winning possession in midfield and dominating the early stages. They established a two-goal lead within the first half-hour, though Xewkija recovered somewhat before the break and applied pressure on the defence.
3’ (goal disallowed) Isaias Cruz appeared to give Kercem the lead, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
12’ Brian Parada responded for Xewkija with a shot from a good position, which was saved by goalkeeper Daniel Spiteri.
19’ (0–1) Kercem went ahead when Andrea Debrincat fired home from a Gabriel Farrugia free kick, catching the goalkeeper off guard with a first-time finish into the corner.
27’ (0–2) Isaias Cruz doubled the lead after breaking through the defence and finishing high into the roof of the net.
43’ Kercem’s goalie Daniel Spiteri made an important save to deny Abou Toure.
45’ The same goalkeeper made two consecutive saves, first clearing a free kick by Claudio Frances and then blocking a close-range effort by Ian Xuereb.
45+2’ From a Gabriel Farrugia free kick, Dejan Bogdanovic’s header was saved by Xewkija’s goalkeeper Adrian Parnis.
HT (0-2)
Second Half:
Xewkija began the second half pressing hard, but as spaces opened in defence Kercem took advantage and looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Kercem extended their lead, while Xewkija continued to push forward after pulling a goal back.
2’ Kercem’s goalie Daniel Spiteri made another important save from a Claudio Frances free kick.
9’ (poat) Brenner struck the post for Xewkija.
19’ Ian Xuereb missed a golden chance after Kercem failed to clear, sending the ball wide from a good position.
21’ Kercem’s substitute Nathaniel Mercieca tested the goalkeeper, who saved his effort for a corner.
22’ (0–3) Mateus Lima finished from close range after a Gabriel Farrugia free kick surprised Xewkija’s defence.
23’ Spiteri produced another fine save to deny Brian Parada’s header.
26’ (1–3) Xewkija pulled one back through a well-placed angled finish by Claudio Frances.
28’ Kercem nearly scored an own goal under pressure from Abou Toure, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly to prevent danger.
31’ (post) Mario Henrique hit the post for Kercem with a low drive.
32’ Spiteri made a difficult save from Parada’s header after a cross by Frances.
39’ Xewkija’s goalie Adrian Parnis saved another attempt by Nathaniel Mercieca.
40’ (1–4) Isaias Cruz made it four from close range, following a lengthy attacking move.
43’ (penalty missed – saved) Kercem were awarded a penalty after Ian Xuereb fouled Nenem, but the same Brazilian striker had his shot from the penalty spot well saved by goalie Adrian Parnis.
45+2’ (1–5) Mateus Lima scored Kercem’s fifth from close range.
45+5’ (1–6) Mario Henrique sealed the emphatic win with an angled finish.
FT (XT 1 – KA 6)
Referee: Ezekiel Barbara
Asst. Referees: Luca Grech, Igor Kankaras
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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