Kercem, Sannat, SK Victoria and Qala reach last eight

The 2005-2006 football season in Gozo got underway on Saturday with two matches from the preliminary round of the 25th edition of the Independence Cup.

This season, Gozitan clubs are not expected to bring in as many foreign and Maltese players as they did last season. However, they have been doing their best to set up competitive squads.

Of the Division One teams making their season debut last weekend, Kercem Ajax left the best impression.

Kercem had the most difficult match of the preliminary round as they faced Xaghra United who have strengthened their ranks with the signing of prolific striker Ndayi Kalenga (ex-Ghajnsielem). Domenique Mbueko, Xaghra's other new arrival from Ghajnsielem, missed the game because of suspension.

Kercem progressed to the next round, beating Xaghra 3-0. Joseph Grech opened the scoring as early as the 14th minute but it was only in the final stages that Kercem made sure of victory thanks to Alfred Effiong's double.

In the quarter-finals, Kercem will meet the winners of the final match of the preliminary round between Victoria Hotspurs and St Lawrence Spurs.

Sannat Lions, the Division Two champions who are aiming to make their presence felt in the top flight, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Zebbug Rovers. The Rovers have transferred a number of established players and are competing in the second division at their own request.

Goals from Mark Muscat (35), Mark Formosa (44) and a penalty by debutant Ricardo Saverino (54) secured Sannat's place in the quarter-finals where they will face Xewkija Tigers.

Another 3-0 victory was recorded by Qala St Joseph over Gharb Rangers in an all-Division Two match. Former Hamrun Spartans striker Ishaky Umoru notched a brace for Qala and Mario Mifsud scored the other goal. Qala take on Nadur in the quarter-finals.

SK Victoria Wanderers, promoted to the top category as a result of Zebbug's decision to drop one division, disappointed in their encounter against Oratory Youths.

The Wanderers made it to the next round after winning a penalty shoot-out 5-3 after a goalless stalemate.

Next Fixtures

Thursday - Prel. round 2 p.m. Victoria H vs St Lawrence S.; Quarter-final 4 p.m. Sannat L. vs Xewkija T.

Saturday - QF 4 p.m. Qala SJ vs Nadur Y.

Sunday - QFs 2 p.m. SK Victoria W. vs Ghajnsielem; 4 p.m. Victoria H./ St Lawrence S. vs Kercem A.