Xewkija Tigers 3
Sannat Lions 1

Xewkija Tigers (picture) won the 23rd Independence Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Sannat Lions last weekend at the Gozo Stadium.

The Tigers deserved the honour. They produced the better football in the final, two quick goals in the second half paving the way for their victory over Sannat.

Sabri Rais showed he can be more useful for Xewkija when playing in an advanced position rather than in defence as Sannat never got going and were second best in midfield.

Moreover, the Lions' skipper Christian de Oliveira was not as authoritative in their backline as many expected him to be, particularly when applying the offside trap.

Xewkija went close early on with efforts from Rais and Farrugia. Sannat had a weak Formosa shot and a Mutalib drive from the distance missing the target.

Rais opened the scoring in the 13th minute when he beat the offside trap and lobbed the ball over Sannat goalkeeper Galea.

Xewkija continued to dictate matters but in the 39th minute Sannat drew level. A Mutalib shot was deflected for a corner by 'keeper Debono and from the resultant flag-kick, Mark Muscat scored from close distance.

Play was more balanced at this juncture but two goals in a minute soon after the break practically saw Xewkija through.

Jason Portelli made it 2-1 in the 56th minute with a spectacular volley from the edge of the area. Then, Rais unmarked Christian Bugeja with a perfect pass and the latter placed easily behind Galea.

Formosa had a firm shot saved by the opponents' goalie and another effort coming off the bar. Xewkija, however, never lost composure, going on to preserve their two-goal lead without great difficulty.

Referee: Reno Refalo.