Ghajnsielem upstage champions to maintain unbeaten start

On the second day of the Division One championship, Ghajnsielem confirmed their excellent form when cruising to their second consecutive victory at the expense of champions Zebbug Rovers.

For their part, Nadur Youngsters crashed to their second defeat in as many matches when going down to Xewkija Tigers.

Ghajnsielem 3
Zebbug Rovers 1

Ghajnsielem moved to the top of the standings thanks to their fine 3-1 victory over Zebbug Rovers. Striker Ndayi Kalenga was the catalyst of Ghajnsielem's success as he scored his side's three goals.

At the start it looked as though Zebbug would halt Ghajnsielem's march. The Rovers opened the score after just two minutes, Brazilian Leandro Quinhione firing them ahead with a strong volley.

Ghajnsielem staged an immediate reaction but had to wait until the 39th minute to equalise.

Kalenga surprised Zebbug goalkeeper Agius with an angled shot. In the dying moments of the first half, the Rovers custodian effected a good save on an effort by Joe Attard.

Ghajnsielem maintained their pressure on Zebbug's fort after the break, turning the score in their favour after eight minutes with another goal by Kalenga following a personal move.

Zebbug showed signs of hitting back but missed a golden opportunity to level matters 18 minutes from the end when Sylvan Galea muffed his shot in front of an open goal after a bad clearance by the opposing defenders.

Six minutes later, Ghajnsielem put their minds at ease by grabbing their third goal. Attard was floored inside the box and Kalenga completed his hat-trick from the ensuing penalty.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Xewkija Tigers 3
Nadur Youngsters 2

In an exciting match that left fans on their toes till the end, Xewkija Tigers had the better of Nadur Youngsters by the odd goal in five.

Nadur's second straight defeat leaves them at the bottom of the standings with no points.

As the two teams opted for an attacking game, several scoring opportunities were the order of the day.

Nadur went ahead after 15 minutes through Alex Simoncic's low shot but Xewkija hit back after barely a minute, Mark Camilleri getting their equaliser.

Play continued to be balanced, Nadur going close to reclaiming their lead through Nkwanko and Simoncic while Xewkija had efforts by debutant Nwoko and Rais.

A strong header by Camilleri, following a corner action, gave Xewkija the lead for the first time eight minutes into the second half but in no time, the score became 2-2.

The Youngsters were awarded a penalty for a foul by Apap on Anthony Portelli and Chedieric Nkwanko converted the spot-kick.

Eighteen minutes from the end, Xewkija scored what proved to be the winner. Camilleri was again on the mark, hammering the ball home after a freekick by Jason Portelli.

Nadur were confused in their reaction, their disappointment compounded with the red card shown to Charles Hili for a second caution 11 minutes from time.

Referee: Alan Mario Sant.

Xaghra United 1
Kercem Ajax 1

Xaghra United and Kercem Ajax started their championship campaign with a one-all draw in a game that promised much but fizzled out as far as goalscoring opportunities are concerned.

Matthew Babayaro was on target after just three minutes for Xaghra but Kercem's reaction produced an early and deserved equaliser through Ryan Buttigieg.

As the game moved on, play became mainly confined to the midfield. Xaghra went closest to winning the spoils very late in the game but Kercem goalkeeper Isidoru Grech blocked John Camilleri's attempt.

Referee: Joseph Camilleri.

Victoria Hotspurs 0
Xaghra United 2

Two second-half goals rewarded Xaghra United with their second victory in four days after they dismissed Victoria Hotspurs' challenge.

Brazilians Bezerra do Lima and Blanco do Castro were dangerous for Xaghra in the first half. All Victoria had to show for their toils in the opening 45 minutes was a cross-shot by Joseph Mizzi that ended wide.

Xaghra were more aggressive after half-time but wasted good scoring opportunities through Babayaro and substitute Olalekan inside the first 15 minutes.

Victoria replied in the 65th minute with a fine header by Edgeli but from the resultant counter-attack, launched by Olalekan, Xaghra moved ahead with a tap-in by John Camilleri.

Victoria lost their will for a fight and in the 75th minute, the Blues made sure of their victory. Edgeli fouled Daniel Attard inside the area and Bezerra slotted home from the penalty spot.

Referee: George Portelli

Sprite Division Two

The direct clash between promotion contenders Sannat Lions and Qala St Joseph ended 2-2. Having won their opening league matches, the outcome leaves the two teams with the same number of points.

Sannat were the more disappointed side at the end as they not only conceded a dramatic equaliser during stoppage time but also fluffed several easy scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Sannat forged ahead after 15 minutes through Mark Muscat but five minutes later, Kenneth Mercieca made it 1-1.

The Lions took the lead again on the hour with a goal by Abdul el Mutalib and continued to apply pressure on Qala but their careless finishing denied them a bigger lead.

Sannat were penalised for their mistakes as Qala snatched a stoppage-time equaliser thanks to Mercieca.

Referee: Alan Camilleri.