Kercem Ajax finish second in Leontinoi International Soccer Cup

Kercem Ajax (born 2000) finished second in the Leontinoi International Soccer Cup which was played in Lentini, Sicily after playing the final against Spar Calcio. The game ended in a goalless draw with the Gozitan side losing the penalty shoot out 5-4.

It was a well contested game played at Stadio ‘A. Nobile’ Lentini where Kercem Ajax shared play with the opponents. There were few scoring opportunities from both sides and thee Gozitans found in difficult to adapt themselves playing on the natural turf after playing all the preliminary matches on synthetic ground.

The team won the first two games with a handsome score of 7-1 against 167 Street, a local team from the village. Daniel Brown, a guest player from the twinned club Luxol St. Andrews, scored four goals while Nathaniel Mercieca scored a brace. Another goal was scored by Ryan Grech. In the other match, Kercem made a good reaction in the final ten minutes to defeat Sporting Bagliani 9-5. Nathaniel Mercieca scored four goals in the match and Daniel Brown scored three. Ryan Grech and Charlon Xuereb scored a goal each. Both games were played at Colleverde Sports Complex.

It was the first ever tournament in which the Kercem Ajax nursery took part abroad. The boys gained a lot of experience and will surely help them in their future. The team performance and discipline were noted and praised from the organisers and opponents while several players distinguished themselves from all contestants and those who assisted the matches.

The squad, under the guidance of coach Elton Vella, was made up of Daniel Atzori, Charlon Xuereb, Ryan Vella, Giuseppe Hili, David Mercieca, Thomas Pennock, Josmar Bugeja, Nathaniel Mercieca, Clint Bugeja, Aidan Axiaq, Roberto Carnemolla and guest player from Kercem’s twinning partner Luxol St. Andrews Daniel Brown.

The nursery congratulates and thanks the players and coach for this success. A word of praise must go to their parents who assisted and encourage the boys all the way to the final. Thanks also the nursery chairman George Pace who was behind this initiative and also guided the tour to visit places of interest during the stay.