Xewkija and Victoria H. reach final

Xewkija Tigers and Victoria Hotspurs, two teams ranked among the favourites for the major honours in Gozo this season, are through to the final of the Independence Cup which will be played this evening (kick-off: 6 p.m.).

Xewkija beat holders SK Victoria Wanderers 2-1 in a match that left those present on the edge of their seats till the very end.

The Tigers took a two-goal lead with quick second-half goals from Rodney Buttigieg and John Camilleri. Victoria had Joseph Refalo sent off but re-opened the match on 71 minutes through Edinson Estrada.

The Wanderers tried hard to force extra time but their hopes were dashed late on when Chris Sciortino was sent off to leave his team with nine men.

In the other semi-final, Victoria Hotspurs beat Nadur Youngsters 4-2 to reach the final for the fourth consecutive time.

Dylan Bellotti opened the score early on but Brian Meilak levelled matters for Nadur only for Victoria to score twice in quick succession through Oliver Farrugia.

Joseph Grima reduced the deficit just before half-time but Farrugia scored his third goal on 55 minutes before Nadur were reduced to ten players when Claudio Antunes was sent off.

Nadur had a Charles Hili effort coming off the crossbar but otherwise the Hotspurs were always in control.

Meanwhile, Munxar Falcons beat Żebbuġ Rovers 2-0 (Sillato 17, Mizzi 29 pen) and Kerċem Ajax ousted Oratory Youths 3-0 (Rais 64, Debrincat 88, Vella 90) to reach the Sportika Division II KO final (today – 4 p.m.).