GFA PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

KERCEM AJAX DEFEND DIVISION I STATUS WITH A GOAL SCORED DURING STOPPAGE TIME

 J Grima, J Xerri, S Mizzi, J Vella, J Cefai, M Pace, R Oba, J Azzopardi, C Bugeja, L Tefogno, M Camilleri.

       The Promotion/Relegation play-off between Kercem Ajax, who ended at the second bottom place on the final Division I table, and Xewkija Tigers, who ended as runners-up in the lower category produced an exciting match which was only decided with a goal scored during stoppage time.  Kercem Ajax managed to obtain the victory and therefore they secured their place in the top flight next season.

          The match was well contested and worthy of a decisive match that had to determine the future for the two sides.  Overall the Tigers saw more of the ball, but Kecem were sharper in front of the goal.  Victory could have gone either way and therefore the final score remained uncertain even after Kercem’s goal which arrived during stoppage time.

          Xewkija saw more of the ball during the first minutes of play and went close to scoring with an early attempt by Tefogno that ended just wide.  In the 13^th minute Xewkija’s Mark Camilleri received an inviting pass in the area by the same Tefogno but his shot was blocked in time by central defender Manuel Tabone.  The Ajax operated with fast breaks and in the 19^th minute Milos Stojanovic had a good first timer from a pass by Franklin Adilson that just missed the target.  However, Kercem opened the score two minutes later through the same Stojanovic who concluded in goal with a low shot another good move by Adilson on the right flank.  The Tigers replied with an angled shot by Joseph Cefai that was blocked in corner and in the 23^rd minute it was Kercem’s goalie Victor Galea who saved with difficulty a shot by Rufin Oba.

          Kercem were again dangerous in the 25^th minute.  Jonathan Mercieca’s shot following a personal action was deflected on the crossbar by goalie Grima and from the rebound Stojanovic passed to Gothard Conti, but the latter concluded incredibly over the crossbar with an open goal at his mercy.  In the 29^th minute Kercem’s Jean Paul Mizzi had a strike from outside the area deflected on the post by Gothard Conti, the ball entered in the net but the goal was disallowed for an offside infringement of the same Conti. Seven minutes later it was Adilson who concluded over the crossbar a fast break by Gothard Conti.  Five minutes from half time Xewkija were dangerous with a long ranged shot by Rufin Oba that ended inches wide.

          After the break the Tigers came out determined to obtain the equaliser.  In the 47^th minute from a free kick by Rufin Oba, Mark Camilleri’s attempt ended just wide.  However, Xewkija’s efforts were rewarded three minutes later.  Luc Tefogno controlled a good ball in the area and released Christian Bugeja who placed in goal with a low angled shot.  Kercem were shocked and the Tigers maintained their territorial supremacy.  In the 59^th minute Xewkija’s Christian Bugeja had a shot deflected by the defence that was well saved by goalie Victor Galea.  Kercem replied two minutes later with a good attempt by Gothard Conti that was partially saved by goalie Joseph Grima and Michael Pace cleared the danger from the goalmouth. 

The Tigers were unlucky in the 65^th minute when a header by Mark Camilleri from a cross by Joseph Azzopardi hit the crossbar.  Minutes later a free kick by Rufin Oba ended just high and in another occasion Luc Tefogno’s attempt also missed the target.  Xewkija were punished for the missed chances as Kercem regained the lead in the 76^th minute.  Jean Paul Mizzi unmarked Jonathan Mercieca just outside the area and the same Mercieca netted with a good strike as he entered the area.  Xewkija went through a bad patch as they became nervous also alleging for a foul during the action that led to Kercem’s goal.  However, the Tigers regained composure and in the 82^nd minute they levelled the score through an excellent strike from an angled position by Luc Tefogno that surprised goalie Victor Galea.  The Tigers kept insisting and in the 86^th minute an effort by Christian Bugeja was well blocked by goalie Victor Galea while in the following action Tefogno’s shot shaved the crossbar.  Once again Kercem managed to score during a good patch of play for the Tigers.  In the second minute of stoppage time Gothard Conti unmarked substitute Josef Debrincat in the area and the latter netted from an angled position.  Xewkija tried to save the result in the dying seconds but the Ajax managed to resist and defended their one goal lead and their Division I status.

 Referee: Anton Zammit

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY