Ghajnsielem win championship in dramatic decider

Ghajnsielem won the Gozo Football League First Division championship in a most dramatic fashion after defeating Xewkija Tigers 3-2 after extra-time in the championship decider which was played at the Gozo Stadium on Sunday.

The Blacks threw away a six-point lead by suffering two defeats in the final two league matches against Kercem Ajax and Xewkija to allow the Tigers to join them on top the First Division table. A 0-2 defeat to Xewkija last week in the BOV GFA Cup continued to increase the pressure on Ghajnsielem.

However on Sunday, winds seemed to be blowing their way as Shaun Bajada put them ahead on the 24th minute and Joseph Vella doubled the score six minutes in the second half.

Xewkija did not give up and pulled one back thanks to a Chris Camilleri penalty on the 74th. Xewkija’s Joseph Cefai and Ghajnsielem goalkeeper Franklin Vella were both sent off by referee Fyodor Zammit and a few minutes later, Charles Hili was also sent off for the Blacks. The Tigers took full advantage and equalised thanks to Daniel Bogdanovic.

With the score still draw, the decider went into extra-time. No goals were scored in the first half of extra-time and with the end of the second half fast approaching, a draw seemed on the cards but Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza had other thoughts as the former Valletta striker managed to score five minutes from the end to hand Ghajnsielem the title.