Għajnsielem struck a very late winner to beat Qala Saints 2-1 in the final of the Division Two KO competition last weekend.
The clash between the two main contenders for promotion this season was an interesting affair with the Blacks creating the better chances and the Saints offering great resistance but failing to score following a couple of inviting opportunities.
It was the Blacks who made the stronger start, going close with attempts by Joseph Attard.
Qala replied with a free-kick by Kyril Dyakov and a shot by Michael Mumford.
Għajnsielem took the lead on 33 minutes when Charlon Tabone headed home after Kenny Hili’s cross took a deflection off substitute Carlton Mifsud.
After the change of ends, the Saints tried to make a reaction but the closest they came to levelling matters was through a strike by Dyakov that was partially saved by goalkeeper Richard Sammut.
From the rebound, Sammut was prominent again as he blocked Christoph Caruana’s effort.
Għajnsielem regained control as the minutes rolled by. They should have sealed the issue but Kenny Hili, Tabone and Damien Hili failed to find the opponents’ net.
The Blacks were punished for their fluffed chances as the Maroons levelled on 69 minutes. In a fast break, Dyakov released Marlon Mamo and the latter scored with a low shot.
Qala intensified their efforts. They threatened to turn the result in their favour but a shot by Caruana came off the post.
An open contest ensued in the final stages but Għajnsielem clinched victory in stoppage time when Tabone scored his second goal with a well-placed header from a Hili free-kick
Qala protested for a penalty after Attard looked to have handled the ball inside the box during a melee but the referee waved play on.
After the match, GFA president Alvin Grech and general secretary Joe Bajada presented the medals and trophy to the winners.
In the only match from the Division Two league last weekend, St Lawrence Spurs registered a comfortable 5-1 victory over Żebbuġ .
This was the last match of the first round for these two teams.
Żebbuġ took the lead on six minutes through Sylvan Galea but the Spurs levelled on 27 minutes after an own goal by Christian Cassar.
St Lawrence paved the way for their convincing win in the early minutes of the second half after Mambaye Boye hit a quick-fire brace in the 49th and 54th minutes. The Spurs sealed victory with two late goals from Franklin Grima (81) and Stephan Cauchi (90).
Agius joins Xewkija
Former Malta and Valletta striker Gilbert Agius has decided to come out of retirement and join Xewkija Tigers until the end of the season.
Agius, 39, is expected to make his debut on Sunday when Xew-kija face Division One leaders Nadur Youngsters.
In the last months, Agius has been serving as assistant to Valletta coach Mark Miller.
Agius made his last appearance as a Valletta player last season when he came off the bench in a 1-1 draw against Rabat in the Premier League.