Oratory Youths started the new season on a positive note by obtaining qualification to the semi-finals of the Sportika GFA Division II KO with a victory in the penalty shoot-out over Munxar Falcons.  The victory for the Youths matured following a comeback during the second period.  The Falcons were better than their opponents during the first half and took a deserved lead.  However, they failed to capitalize their scoring opportunities and were forced to defend for the remaining part of the match.  Munxar also ended the match with a player less on the field.  Oratory had a good reaction after the break, managed to level the score kept pressure over their opponents and forced a penalty shoot-out in a match that seemed compromise after 45 minutes of play. In the semi-final the Youths meet holders Xaghra United.

This was the first official match for the new football season in Gozo, and was also the first official match on the new artificial turf surface of the Sannat Ground. Being the first match of the new season the two sides were also parading their latest signings.  Both Munxar and Oratory had new coaches on the bench, Julius Ngangue for the Falcons and John Cassar for the Youths.  Munxar’s debutants were Marvin Zammit and Pierre Said (both ex-Sannat Lions), Joseph Cordina (ex-Zebbug Rovers) and William Cassar (ex-Xewkija Tigers).  Oratory had Chris Attard (ex-St Lawrence Spurs/Victoria Hotspurs) who was making a comeback.

The Falcons took command of play from the early stages and were dangerous through a strike by Joseph Mizzi that ended inches wide.  In the 12^th minute goalie Franklin Vella was well placed to block a close ranged shot by Christian Micallef.  Muxar opened the score in the 17^th minute through a fine header by William Cassar following a corner kick by Joseph Calleja.  Oratory continued to suffer Munxar’s superiority and in the following minute goalie Vella was called to keep his side in contention on more than one occasion following.  In the 25^th minute a cross-shot by Munxar’s Christian Micallef ended just over the crossbar and minutes later the same player was denied from doubling the score with fine saves by Oratory’s goalkeeper.  Oratory replied in the 31^st minute through a direct free kick by Alex Sacco that ended just high.  In the 45^th minute Munxar’s Joseph Cordina had a good effort that ended just wide but seconds from half time the Youths could have leveled the score but a header by Orlando Atzori from a corner action hit the post.

Oratory came out in a better shape after the break and started to share play with their opponents.  On the hour of play a direct free kick by Alex Sacco ended just high.  Munxar were dangerous in the 66^th minute through a header by substitute Donald Borg from a cross by Ryan Debrincat that ended over the crossbar.  One minute later the Falcons went close to double the score but consecutive attempts by Joseph Calleja and William Cassar were cleared off the line by Chris Attard and George Frank Mizzi respectively.  Oratory were rewarded for their persistence and their pressure over Munxar’s rearguard in the 82^nd minute when substitute Andrew Zammit converted from close distance an inviting cross by Joseph Grech.  Oratory were again dangerous in the third minute of stoppage time through a direct free kick by Francesco Cini that was well blocked by goalie Curmi.

The qualification had to be decided into extra time where Oratory maintained their better shape and in the 92^nd minute Joseph Grech had a low shot following a solo effort that ended just wide.  One minute later Munxar were reduced to ten players when Marvin Zammit was sent off following a second caution for protests.  Munxar tried to control play but second from the end of the first half of extra time they went close to scoring through a strike by Joseph Cordina that was deflected in corner.  During the second period of extra time play took place mainly in the midfield as the two sides seemed short of breath and also worried to defend their respective areas.

In the penalty shoot-out Oratory scored they five attempts through George Louis Zammit, Andrew Zammit, Francesco Cini, George Frank Mizzi and Alex Sacco.  Munxar scored the penalty kicks by Joseph Cordina, Joseph Calleja abd Anthony Camilleri, while Joseph Borg’s shot from the spot kick ended wide.

Referee: Pierre Azzopardi