The preliminary round of the MFA BOV Challenge Cup delivered a double-bill of high-stakes football at the Gozo Stadium on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Xewkija Tigers secured a narrow victory in a heated derby, while SK Victoria Wanderers required a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the next round.

Xewkija Tigers FC 1-0 Nadur Youngsters FC

In the opening clash of the afternoon, Xewkija Tigers emerged victorious in a tightly contested encounter against Nadur Youngsters. The match was defined by its physical intensity, reaching a turning point in the 63rd minute when Referee Wayne Sammut showed a straight red card to Nadur’s Lucas Baretto Da Silva.

Despite being a man down, Nadur defended resolutely until the 83rd minute. The deadlock was finally broken by Brian Alejandro Parada, whose clinical finish ensured the Tigers claimed the 1-0 win and the bragging rights in this Gozitan showdown.

SK Victoria Wanderers FC 1-1 Ghajnsielem FC

(SK Victoria Wanderers win 5-4 on penalties)

The second fixture of the day provided even more drama as SK Victoria Wanderers faced Ghajnsielem FC. After a scoreless first half, Ghajnsielem took the lead in the 50th minute through Deison Arvey Cuero. The Wanderers pushed for an equalizer and were rewarded in the 82nd minute when Matthias Cordina found the net to make it 1-1.

With no further goals in regulation time, the match proceeded to a tense penalty shootout.

The Shootout:
The drama peaked during the spot-kicks as both goalkeepers made crucial interventions. For the Wanderers, Ender Vielma, Andre Cutler, Mustafa Amodu, Owen Fenech, and Kurt Grima all converted, while Matthias Cordina and Emerson Zammit saw their efforts saved.

Ghajnsielem’s Jhon Gonzalez, Naim Ibrahim Belhadj, Deison Cuero, and James Tabone Refalo scored their respective penalties. However, a save from the Victoria keeper against Daniel Murillo, an off-target effort by Alberto Xuereb, and a final decisive stop against Paul Rapa saw the Wanderers prevail 5-4.

Referee Joseph Scerri oversaw the proceedings as SK Victoria Wanderers celebrated a hard-earned progression to the next stage of the competition.