André Gabriel Castro Martins scored a hat-trick as Kerċem Ajax overcame Qala Saints 4–3 in a thrilling GFA BOV First Division Knock-Out quarter-final at Kerċem Stadium on Sunday.

Xagħra United also booked their place in the semi-finals, defeating Sannat Lions 3–2 in another closely contested encounter.

Qala made the brighter start against Kerċem, taking the lead through Juan Matheus Dos Santos Leite after nine minutes. Martins equalised in the 25th minute before Natal Cidcley Severiano, known as Nenem, put Ajax ahead in first-half stoppage time.

The Saints turned the match around after the interval. Thiago Gabriel Ribeiro Lima levelled in the 50th minute, and Joseph Zammit restored Qala’s advantage eight minutes later.

However, Martins proved decisive with two further goals. He brought Kerċem level again in the 68th minute before completing his hat-trick on 78 minutes to settle the seven-goal contest and secure qualification.

Wayne Sammut controlled the match.

In the other quarter-final, Alexandre Galiani Lazarini struck twice to help Xagħra United overcome Sannat Lions.

Lazarini opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Xagħra a lead they held until Luiz Fernando Ferriera Maximiano equalised on 59 minutes.

Xagħra responded quickly, with Lazarini scoring his second four minutes later. João Felipe Alfonso Rodriques then extended their advantage in the 69th minute to make it 3–1.

Sannat reduced the deficit through an 82nd-minute penalty converted by Fred Tsoumou Hama Jubhel, but Xagħra held on to claim a place in the last four.

Anthony Paul Vella was the referee.