Xewkija Tigers lift Independence Cup

Xewkija Tigers won the first honour of the GFA season when they beat Victoria Hotspurs by the odd goal in three in the Independence Cup final at the Gozo Stadium.

It was a deserved success for the Tigers as they dictated matters for long stretches and created several scoring opportunities.

Xewkija enjoyed an excellent start, taking the lead after only three minutes when John Camilleri tapped the ball home.

Camilleri struck again just after the half-hour mark with a fine header from an Elton Vella cross.

The Hotspurs tried to get back into the match after the interval but it was Xewkija who continued to produce the best opportunities through John Camilleri. Victoria managed to pull one back late on.

They were awarded a free-kick and Ryan Grech’s long shot surprised Xewkija goalkeeper Joseph Grima.

But it was too little too late as the Tigers held on for the win.

At the end of the match, Vincent Grech, chairman of the Public and Popular Festivities Committee at the Ministry for Gozo, presented the trophy to Xewkija Tigers captain Joseph Cefai in the presence of GFA officials Paul Galea and George Cini.

The Sportika Division Two KO final was also played on Wednesday with Kerċem Ajax taking the honour after a 2-0 win over Munxar Falcons.

Kerċem captain Jean Paul Mizzi opened the scoring on 21 minutes and Marlon Mamo made it 2-0 with 14 minutes remaining.

Mario Camilleri, on behalf of Sportika, presented the trophy to Mizzi.