Ghajnsielem, Kercem through to GFA First Division Knock-Out semi-finals

Ghajnsielem and Kercem Ajax were the first two teams to reach the semi-finals of the GFA First Division Knock-Out after defeating Xewkija Tigers and Nadur Youngsters respectively.

Ghajnsielem eliminated Xewkija 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time. Ali Oularbi put the Blacks ahead on the 69th minute but five minutes from time, Joseph George Vella converted a penalty to level matters for Xewkija.

In the penalty shoot-out, Kenneth Mercieca, Jhon Jairo Sandobal Guarin, Gerald Tuscha, Everton Felipe Da Silva Santos and Ali Oularbi all scored their penalties while Joseph George Vella, Milos Stojanovic and Moussa Bamba scored for the Tigers. Rodney Buttigieg hit the crossbar for Xewkija.

In the other match, Kercem Ajax defeated Nadur Youngsters 4-1. Andrew Mizzi put Kercem ahead on the 4th minute and five minutes later, Petar Kyumyurdzhiev converted a penalty to double the score. Ognjen Rolovic made it 3-0 nine minutes in the second half and although Shaun Attard pulled one back for Nadur from the penalty spot, Ognjen Rolovic made it 4-1 one minute from time.

Meanwhile in the Second Division Knock-Out, Sannt Lions and Munxar Falcons made it to the semi-finals after defeating St. Lawrence Spurs and Zebbug Rovers respectively.

Sannat came from behind to defeat St Lawrence Spurs 2-1 as Mohammed Senussi Telessi put them ahead after just one minute but Antoine Camilleri equalised on the 21st and Fabian Xuereb notched the winner on the 72nd minute.

On the other hand, Munxar defeated Zebbug 3-1. A Jordi Parnis penalty on the 32nd minute put Muxnar ahead and although Botshelo Gibson Mfuluane equalised on the 76th, Michael Matthias Uzor restored the lead five minutes later and Jordi Parnis sealed the issue on the 84th with a third goal.