Xewkija, Sannat set up final showdown

Tomorrow's 23rd final of the Independence Cup, organised by the Gozo FA, will be contested by Xewkija Tigers and Sannat Lions. The final will be staged at the Sannat Ground, kicking off at 2 p.m.

The earlier stages of this competition were marked by some interesting matches which showed that teams in the first and second divisions are quite prepared for the 2003-2004 season.

Second division sides Qala St Joseph and Xaghra United pulled off the most remarkable surprises. The former saw off one of the favourites for the Cup, Zebbug Rovers, while the latter reached the semi-finals with a victory over the same Qala.

The Independence Cup matches enabled many teams to present their new players. The two finalists, Xewkija Tigers and newly-promoted Sannat Lions, were the most active during summer and their endeavours are already paying off.

Xewkija fielded Benneth Njoku (ex-Marsaxlokk), Martin Cremona (ex-Ghajnsielem) and Saviour Farrugia (ex-Nadur Youngsters) while Sannat Lions paraded three new signings - Cristiano de Oliveira from Brazil, Joe Attard (ex-Ghajnsielem) and Ventizlav Dimitrov (ex-Ghajnsielem).

The Independence Cup finalists, together with Zebbug Rovers and champions Nadur Youngsters, are regarded as favourites to win honours in Division One this season.

Newly-promoted Kercem Ajax, Victoria Hotspurs and Ghajnsielem are ranked as outsiders.

Xewkija reached the final with victories over three second division sides.

They defeated Oratory Youths 2-1 in the preliminary round, won 4-3 against St Lawrence Spurs in the quarter-final and booked their place in the final with a 3-0 victory over Xaghra.

On their part, Sannat Lions had the better of Ghajnsielem 4-3 in the quarter-final and then obtained a narrow 1-0 win over Kercem Ajax in the semis.