by GozoFA | Apr 21, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
SK Victoria W : 2 (A. Ige 6’, A. Adesina 90+3’)
G. Ratto, N.J. Guerrero, A.G. Attard (A. Touarha), M. Vasiljevic, C. Sciortino, I. Xuereb, N. Vella, R. Grech, D.U. Monday, A.A. Ige, A. Adesina.
Kercem A : 2 (E. Vella 8’, A. Mizzi 75’)
B. Vrndic, D. Chavez Flores, A. Mizzi, M. Perisic, O. Spiteri, E. Vella, A. Haska (D. Cassar), A. Zammit, J. Grech, N. Mercieca, M. Mifsud.
SK Victoria Wanderers and Kercem Ajax earned a point each form a draw of four goals and at the end the points obtained by Kercem left them at the fifth place on the table while the Wanderers remained in the relegation trouble. The Wanderers could have made sure of avoiding the direct relegation with a victory from this encounter but they struggled to take supremacy over their opponents and only managed to save the result with a goal that arrived during stoppage time. The Wanderers will have to defend their seventh place on the table in their last match of the championship against their direct opponents Oratory Youths.
Kercem could have opened the score after just 35 seconds of play but an effort by Alen Haska was well blocked by goalie Giacomo Ratto. The Wanderers replied on 5 minutes but Ryan Grech hit badly form a good position and goalie Branko Vrndic saved without difficulty. The Wanderers opened the score in the sixth minute of play when a cross by Ryan Grech arrived to Abdullahi Ige who controlled the ball despite the pressure of his opponents and netted from close distance. Kercem however levelled the score two minutes later when Elton Vella received a ball from Anthony Zammit just outside the area and the former fired in goal with a shot that was out of the reach of the goalkeeper. On 10 minutes Kercem’s keeper Branko Vrndic was well placed to save a shot by Abdullahi Ige. In an immediate reply by Kercem an effort by Daniel Chavez Flores was saved by goalie Giacomo Ratto. Kercem’s goalie was again called to make a good intervention on 14 minutes following another attempt by Ryan Grech and on 21 minutes Kercem’s Joey Grech and Daniel Chavez Flores both failed to conclude from close distance following an action by Alen Haska so that the defence cleared the danger with some difficulty. On 37 minutes a header by Victoria’s Abdullahi Ige following a free kick by Antony George Attard as neutralised by goalie Branko Vrndic and three minutes later the same Attard had another free kick from long distance but Jesus Guerrero headed high from a good position.
The Wanderers increased their efforts after the break and on the hour mark a shot by Ian Xuereb following a header inside the area by Ajibade Adesina was deflected to a corner. From the same corner action a header by Jesus Guerrero was neutralised by goalie Branko Vrndic. Three minutes later Victoria’s Abdullahi Ige had a good strike that was saved to a corner with difficulty by Kercem’s goalie. On 65 minutes Kercem’s keeper made the most difficult intervention of the encounter when he blocked a shot by Ryan Grech who was released by Abdullahi Ige. On 67 minutes a header by Jesus Guerrero from a corner kick by Ian Xuereb ended wide from Kercem’s goal and in the following action Daniel Chavez Flores unmarked Alen Haska who saw his shot ended away from Victoria’s goal. Kercem took the lead on 75 minutes when Joey Grech entered Victoria’s area from the right flank and from his low pass Andrew Mizzi converted with a low drive. The Wanderers produced a strong reaction during the dying moments of the encounter and on 87 minutes a header by Abdullahi Ige following a free kick from long distance was saved by goalie Branko Vrndic. One minute later the same goalkeeper had good timing to clear the ball in time before Abdullahi Ige could conclude form close distance and the defence cleared the danger. Victoria clinched the equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time when Abdullahi Ige released Ajibade Adesina who placed in goal with a low shot. The Wanderers also went close to score the decisive goal one minute later but a strike by Ryan Grech was blocked in front of the goalmouth by Anthony Zammit so that the score remained unchanged.
Referee: Ryan Caruana
by GozoFA | Apr 17, 2018 | News |
BOV GFA Player of the Month
Marcelo Barbosa (Għarb Rangers) wins March award
Għarb Rangers forward Marcelo Barbosa is the BOV GFA Player of the Month for March 2018.
Barbosa joined Rangers in January and won the admiration of the Gozitan football fans, not only with his technical and physical skills, but also with his decisive goal-scoring. The Brazilian’s contributions helped Għarb move away from the relegation zone and be competitive against higher quoted teams.
27 year old Barbosa scored the winning goal in Għarb’s 1-0 victory over Xewkija Tigers and also found the back of the net in his team’s 3-3 draw against second placed Nadur Youngsters. His most significant contribution came in Għarb’s second victory over Zewkija with a score of 5-3 where Barbosa scored no less than 4 of his team’s goals.
Horace Laudi, Regional Executive for Gozo at Bank of Valletta presented the BOV GFA Player of the Month Trophy for March 2018 to Barbosa who chose the Arka Foundation to benefit from the donation related to this award.
by GozoFA | Apr 15, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Victoria H : 4 (E. Lattes 11’, C. Camilleri 34’, G.D. Lombas 47’, 69’)
A. Parnis, J.Pace (J. Tabone), A. Azzopardi, K. Farrugia (S.F. Bajada), D. Sowatey, F. Apap, C. Mercieca (J. Camilleri), E. Lattes, E. Da Silva, G. Dwomoh Lombas, C. Camilleri.
SK Victoria W : 1 (A. Touarha 12’)
G. Ratto, N.J. Guerrero, A.G. Attard, M. Vasiljevic, J. Meilak, A. Touarha (J. Refalo), C. Sciortino, I. Xuereb, N. Vella, A.A. Ige, A. Adesina (N. Cini).
Victoria Hotspurs recovered from the unexpected defeat conceded in their previous match of the championship and registered their 17th win in their derby match against SK Victoria Wanderers. The Hotspurs were determined to regain their run of positive results and earned the victory over the Wanderers with two goals scored in each half. With this result the Wanderers remain in serious relegation trouble since they cannot improve their seventh place on the table in the remaining matches of the championship. In this match Victoria Hotspurs had Chris Camilleri who was making a return in the starting line up after a long period when he was not utilised for play due to an injury. This was also Camilleri’s 600th competitive match in his career that was also crowned with an important goal scored during the first half.
As expected the Hotspurs came out more aggressive and in the eighth minute of play a shot by Chris Camilleri was blocked with some difficulty by the Wanderers keeper Giacomo Ratto. In the following action the same goalkeeper left his position in time to clear the ball from the edge of the area before Emiliano Lattes could arrive on the ball to conclude towards goal. The Hotspurs opened the score on 11 minutes when Galder Dwomoh Lombas prolonged a cross by Elton Da Silva inside the Wanderers area and Emiliano Lattes came from behind and netted with a first timer. The Wanderers had an immediate reaction and one minute later they levelled the score when Abdullahi Ige released Aaron Touarha inside the area and netted with a fine shot. The Hotspurs regained command of play but they found it difficult to create good scoring opportunities. On the other hand the Wanderers gained some confidence and on 28 minutes they operated a good move through Abdullahi Ige but his shot towards goal ended wide. On 31 minutes the Hotspurs replied through an attempt by Elton Da Silva that ended high. On 34 minutes the Hotspurs regained their lead through a shot on the run by Chris Camilleri following a cross by Jason Pace.
The Hotspurs practically made sure of the victory when they scored the third goal in the second minute of play of the second period through a close ranged header by Galder Dwomoh Lombas following a cross by Christian Mercieca. The Wanderers tried to produce a reaction and on 49 minutes a free kick by Abdullahi Ige was neutralised by goalie Adrian Parnis. Three minutes later the Hotspurs operated a fine move through Elton Da Silva who unmarked Christian Mercieca but the latter had his shot that ended high. On 54 minute the Wanderers had a good opportunity to re-open the issue but Ajibade Adesina’s shot after receiving from Abdullahi Ige ended high. On 61 minutes the Wanderers could have concluded better but Jesus Guerrero’s shot was easily saved by goalie Adrian Parnis. The Hotspurs sealed the victory on 69 minutes through a tap-in by Galder Dwomoh Lombas following a move inside the area by Emiliano Lattes. The same Lattes had a good shot on 75 minutes that ended wide and on 81 minutes the Hotspurs went again close to scoring but a cross shot by Chris Camilleri was saved with difficulty by goalie Giacomo Ratto. The Hotspurs had their last opportunity to add another goal on 90 minutes but a shot from long distance by substitute James Tabone ended just wide.
Referee: Fyodor Zammit
by GozoFA | Apr 15, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Nadur Y : 2 (S. Miloskovic 34’, B. Said 89’)
M. Muscat, S.H. Muller, C. Hili, S. Miloskovic, Sh. Attard, J. Buttigieg, B. Said, S. Cassar, Sa. Attard, R. Da Silva, N. Stojanovic.
Xewkija T : 3 (H.T. Honorato 21’, G. Hili 32’, M. Stojanovic 67’)
M. Grima, J. Azzopardi, D. Bogdanovic, J.M. Vella, C. Antunes (T. Vella), G. Hili, J. Cefai (M. Gauci), M. Stojanovic, S. Bajada, M. Xerri, H.T. Barbosa (R. Buttigieg).
Xewkija Tigers obtained a 3-2 win over Nadur Youngsters in the match between the two sides who disappointed most in the championship for failing to remain serious challengers for the main honour. The match between Xewkija and Nadur turned out into an interesting encounter where the final score remained uncertain until the final whistle. Xewkija were in the driving seat for most of the time as they were in front by scoring three goals and only conceded one goal midway through the second period, but Nadur increased their efforts during the final stages and created enough scoring opportunities to save the result.
In the fifth minute of play Xewkija went very close to score an early goal but a strike by Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato ended wide. On 12 minutes Nadur replied through a move by Stanimir Miloskovic from a good position but the ball missed the target. Xewkija gained some territorial supremacy and on 16 minutes Milos Stojanovic failed to hit towards goal a free kick by Daniel Bogdanovic so that goalie Matthew Muscat managed to save the danger. Four minutes later Xewkija operated a counter break through Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato but from his pass substitute Thomas Vella had his attempt blocked by goalie Matthew Muscat. On 21 minute a shot by Xewkija’s Milos Stojanovic was deflected to a corner by the defence and from the same corner kick by Gennaro Hili, Milos Stojanovic headed inside the are and Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato headed in goal, from close distance to put his side in the lead. Nadur seemed shocked and on the half hour mark the same Brazilian striker had an attempt from a cross by Joseph Cefai that ended wide. On 32 minutes Xewkija doubled the score through a strike by Gennaro Hili following a solo action. Nadur managed to reduce the deficit on 34 minutes with a goal scored by Stanimir Miloskovic after taking the ball from Xewkija’s defence. Nadur could have levelled the score on 45 minutes when Stanimir Miloskovic entered Xewkij’s area with a personal action but was denied from concluding in goal with an excellent intervention by Xewkija’s defender Manwel Xerri. Seconds before th break Xewkija’s Daniel Bogdanovic had a direct free kick that ended just over the crossbar.
The match became much more entertaining after the break as Nadur increased their efforts in an attempt to score the equaliser. On 52 minutes a shot by Shaun Attard was well saved by Xewkija’s goalie Mark Grima. On 56 minutes a free kick by Nadur’s Stanimir Miloskovic ended over the crossbar and four minutes later Nadur’s keeper Matthew Muscat was well placed to save a strike by Thomas Vella. Nadur went again close to scoring on 63 minutes but a low drive by Stefan Cassar ended just wide. On 67 minutes Xewkija regained the two-goal lead when Daniel Bogdanovic entered Nadur’s territory with a personal action and form his pass Milos Stojanovic concluded in goal with a low shot. On 75 minutes Nadur had a golden scoring opportunity when s hot by Josef Buttigieg was partially saved by goalie Mark Grima and from the rebound Brandon Said took the ball but had his shot handled on the fatal line with the goalkeeper beaten by substitute Rodney Buttigieg. The referee awarded a penalty and showed the red card to Xewkija’s Buttigieg, but Stanimir Miloskovic had his shot from the spot kick that ended wide. Nadur were not demoralised and on 84 minutes Stanimir Miloskovic had a header following a cross by Nemanja Stojanovic that was saved by Xewkija’s keeper. Three minutes later Nadur’s Saviour Attard had a header following a corner kick by Shaun Attard that was saved by the goalkeeper with the aid of the post and the defence managed to clear the ball from the resultant melee in front of Xewkija’s goal. Nadur scored their second goal on 89 minutes when Xewkija’s keeper partially saved a shot from outside the area by Sandro Muller and Brandon Said took the rebound a fired in goal from close distance. One minute later Xewkija could ahev scored their fourth goal but Thomas Vella’s shot ended high and in the second minute of stoppage time Nadur almost scored a dramatic equaliser when a shot by Shaun Attard was saved to a corner with difficulty by goalie Mark Grima and form the same corner action a header by Saviour Attard was cleared off the line with the goalkeeper beaten by substitute Manwel Gauci. Nadur ended the match on a negative note as one minute later they had Charles Hili who was sent off for retaliation on Manwel Xerri.
Referee: Dorian Caruana
by GozoFA | Apr 14, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Kercem A : 0
J.P. Cassar, M. Tabone, J.P. Mizzi (A. Zammit), J. Grech, N. Mercieca, A. Aska, M. Perisic, D.F. Chavez, E. Vella, A. Mizzi, O. Spiteri.
Gharb R : 0
D. Spiteri, A. Sultana, J. Portelli, P. Dorovic, , M. Zerafa (L. Meilak), M. Bezzina (J. Farrugia), A. Shkjau, M. Barbosa, J. Camenzuli, C. Attard, J.P. Grima.
Kercem Ajax and Gharb Rangers earned a point each from a goalless draw so that the two teams moved definitely away from the relegation zone and made sure that they both avoided the risk of having to play the play-off against relegation. Gharb continued to confirm their good moment of form and in this match they held territorial supremacy but failed to convert their play into good scoring opportunities. On the other hand Kercem defended well for long stretches and at the end they managed to obtain a deserved positive result after a series of disappointing performances.
Gharfb produced a good action in the fifth minute of play through Marcelo Barbosa but from his low pass inside Kercem’s area Ardit Shkjau had his shot deflected to a corner by the defence. Three minutes later a free kick by Gharb’s Predrag Dorovic was saved by goalie John Paul Cassar and Kercem replied on 25 minutes with a free kick by Daniel Chavez Flores that was saved in two attempts by goalie Daniel Spiteri. Kercem operated another good move on 32 minutes through Alen Haska but from his cross a header by Joey Grech was neutralised by Gharb’s goalie. Kercem’s Alen Haska had another attempt two minutes later but his lob ended wide and on 40 minutes Gharb’s keeper Daniel Spiteri left his position in time to take the ball at the edge of the area before Joey Grech could hit the ball towards an open goal.
Gharb continued to find it very difficult to create good scoring opportunities and the closest that they went to scoring during the second period was on 53 minutes through a shot following a personal action by Marcelo Barbosa that was saved toi a corner by goalie John Paul Cassar. On the other hand Kercem held more players at their defence after the break in an attempt to defend the result and they only managed to create danger within Gharb’s territory on 79 minutes through a counter break by Daniel Chaves Flores but Gharb’s keeper Daniel Spiteri went outside his area to clear the danger before the striker could conclude towards goal.
Referee: Joseph Xerri
by GozoFA | Apr 14, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 3 (L.A. De Melo Lima 16’, M.A. Morgon Filho 33’, K. Merceica 37’)
J. Grech, I. Belhadj (N. Belhadj), D. Mercieca, L.A De Melo Lima, K. Mercieca, W. Hili, A. Oularbi, D. Hili (C. Dingli), A. Xuereb, M.A. Morgon Filho (D. Atzori), J.J. Sandobal Guarin.
Oratory Y : 1 (A. Bezzina 66’)
R. Sammut, D. Azzopardi, J. Polo Longarela, M. Buttigieg, K. Farrugia (J. Buttigieg), J. Attard, A. Bezzina (C. Mercieca), G.B. Mfulwane, R. Ebube Okpokwu, S. Mbacke, S. Azzopardi (K. Grima).
Ghajnsielem obtained a 3-1 win over bottom placed Oratory Youths and with the points obtained the Blacks moved to the fourth place on the table and became mathematically sure of retaining their place in the top flight next season. With this result the Youths remained at the bottom place on the table and in serious relegation trouble. In this match Ghajnsielem opened a three goal lead during the first half but after the break they were forced to defend as the Youths produced a determined reaction in an attempt to save the result.
During the opening minutes of the match the two sides tried to take command of play and to score an early goal. On 15 minutes Oratory’s Ralph Ebube Okpokwu entered Ghajnsielem’s area with a personal action but his shot ended high. Ghajnsielem opened the score on 16 minutes when Luis Andre De Melo Lima produced a personal action and fired in goal with a shot from an angled position. One minute later Oratory’s keeper was called to make a good save to turn to a corner a shot by Ghajnsielem’s Marco Antonio Morgon Filho. The Youths replied on 29 minutes through a header by Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane following a cross by Johann Attard that was saved on the fatal line by Ghajnsielem’s goalie Joseph Grech and the defence cleared the danger from the area with some difficulty. On 33 minutes Ghajnsielem produced an effective move by Damon Hili on the left flank and from his cross Marco Antonio Morgon Filho came from behind the defence and netted with a low shot. Oratory were demoralised and on 37 minutes Ghajnsielem added another goal through a header by Kenneth Mercieca following a cross by Marco Antonio Morgon Filho.
Oratory came out determined to re-open the issue after the break and on 58 minutes a shot by Joshua Buttigieg was saved by goalie Joseph Grech. On 62 minutes Ghajnsielem’s defence blocked a good attempt by Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane. Two minutes later Ghajnsielem’s keeper was again called to make a good save following a shot by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu and on 66 minutes the Youths reduced the deficit when Aleandro Bezzina took the ball just outside the area, avoid the tackle of his direct opponent and netted with a fine shot. Oratory increased their efforts and on 70 minutes a shot from long distance by Manuel Buttigieg ended high. The Youths were again dangerous on 78 minutes when Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane entered Ghajnsielem’s territory with a fast break, turned around the goalkeeper just outside the area but his shot aimed towards an open goal ended wide. On 80 minutes a half volley by Oratory’s Joshua Buttigieg was stopped by the post with the goalkeeper beaten and four minutes later the Youths could have scored another goal but Ralph Ebube Okpokwu hit badly from a melee in front of Ghajnsielem’s goalmouth and at the end goalie Joseph Grech saved all the danger. During the final stages Oratory increased their efforts and on 85 minutes a free kick by Javier Polo Longarela from long distance was saved by Ghajnsielem’s goalie with the aid of the crossbar and three minutes later the same goalkeeper saved in two attempts a shot by Josua Buttigieg. Oratory’s last scoring opportunity of the match arrived in the first minute of stoppage time through Seck Mbacke who saw his effort ending wide.
Referee: Ray Tabone
by GozoFA | Apr 8, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Gharb inflict first defeat to Victoria Hotspurs
Gharb R : 2 (M. Barbosa 57’, A. Shkjau 68’)
D. Spiteri, D. Bellotti, P. Dorovic, A. Sultana, M. Zerafa, J.P. Grima (C. Attard), J. Azzopardi, B.P. Longarela, M. Bezzina, M. Barbosa, A. Shkjau.
Victoria H : 1 (E. Lattes 77’)
D. Galea (A. Brignoli), J. Pace, J. Bajada, K. Farrugia (F. Apap), D. Sowatey, L. Grima, C. Mercieca, E. Da Silva, E. Lattes, H. Maciel, A. Debrincat (J. Camilleri).
Gharb Rangers inflicted the first defeat of the championship to the new champions of Gozitan football Victoria Hotspurs and with the points obtained they are now sharing the fourth place on the table with Ghajnsielem and Kercem Ajax. With this result, the three teams, Gharb, Ghajnsielem and Kercem, became mathematically sure of avoiding the last place on the table and the three teams moved closer to avoid the risk of ending the championship in the second place from the bottom. The Hotspurs faced this encounter as hot favourites to obtain a positive result and to defend their unbeaten run in the previous sixteen matches of the championship. However, the newly crowned champions compromised their possibility to achieve their goal during the first half when they had two penalty kicks on separate occasions that were both saved by Gharb’s goalie. The Hotspurs suffered Gharb’s play during the opening stages of the second period and their final efforts during the last part of the encounter were not enough to save the result.
Gharb almost surprised their more quoted opponents in the firth minute of play when Marcelo Barbosa released Justin Azzopardi inside Victoria’s territory but the latter concluded badly and the ball ended away from goal. Three minutes later Victoria’s keeper Daniel Galea made a good intervention to clear the ball from the area before Ardit Shkjau could conclude from a good position following another fine move by Marcelo Barbosa. The Hotspurs were awarded a penalty on 12 minutes when a strike by Emiliano Lattes hit the hands of Predrag Dorovic inside the area but Elton Da Silva had his shot from the spot kick well saved by goalie Daniel Spiteri. One minute later Victoria’s keeper Daniel Galea was again called to make a good save to clear the ball before Ardit Shkjau could hit the ball following a cross from the right flank and on 22 minutes the Hotspurs replied with a free kick by Emiliano Lattes that was turned to a corner by goalie Daniel Spiteri. From the same corner action Gharb’s keeper made another difficult intervention to block a close ranged header by Henrique Maciel and on 27 minutes Gharb operated a counter break through Ardit Shkjau but the striker had his attempt neutralised by substitute goalkeeper Angelo Brignoli. On 40 minutes the Citizens were awarded a second penalty when a cross by Elton Da Silva was handled by Gharb’s Michael Zerafa and for the second time within the same half Victoria’s Elton Da Silva had his shot from the spot kick saved by goalie Daniel Spiteri with the aid of the crossbar. Victoria could have opened the score in the fourth minute of stoppage tome before half time but a free kick by Emiliano Lattes hit the post and from the rebound Kevin Farrugia’s goal was disallowed for handling by the same player.
The Rangers came out more determined after the break and took command of play. On 48 minutes a header by Gharb’s Marcelo Barbosa following a cross by Michael Bezzina hit the post and four minutes later an attempt by Ardit Shkjau following a cross by Borja Polo Longarela was also stopped by the woodwork. Gharb opened the score on 57 minutes when Marcelo Barbosa defended the ball following a pass from long distance by Predrag Dorovic and the Brazilian striker lobbed over the goalkeeper into an open goal. Victoria replied on 63 minutes through an effort by Christian Mercieca following a fine move by Elton Da Silva that was cleared off the goalmouth by Gharb’s John Paul Grima and on 67 minutes Gharb added another goal through a tap-in by Ardit Shkjau, that ended in goal despite the attempt of goalie Angelo Brignoli to clear the danger, following a low cross by Michael Zerafa. In the remaining minutes of the match the Hotspurs pushed all their efforts forward in an attempt to recover the deficit. On 70 minutes substitute John Camilleri had a good shot that was deflected to a corner by the defence and on 77 minutes the Hotspurs reduced the score through a first timer by Emiliano Lattes following a low cross by John Camilleri. The Hotspurs could have saved the result on 81 minutes but an effort by Henrique Maciel was well saved by goalie Daniel Spiteri. The last opportunity to the Hotspurs to level the score arrived on 85 minutes but John Camilleri failed to connect to an inviting cross by Elton Da Silva.
Referee: Clayton Pisani
by GozoFA | Apr 8, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 2 (J.G. Vella 51’, L.A. de Melo Lima 78’)
Y. Cassar, J,G. Vella (D. Atzori), D. Mercieca, L.A. De Melo Lima, K. Mercieca, An. Xuereb (I. Belhadj), A. Oularbi, D. Hili, Al. Xuereb, K. Grima, J.J. Sandobal Guarin.
Kercem A : 0
J.P. Cassar, M. Tabone, O. Spiteri, N. Mercieca, J. Grech (D. Cassar), J.P. Mizzi, M. Perisic, M. Mifsud (A. Zammit), E. Vella, A. Mizzi, A. Haska.
Ghajnsielem obtained three precious points form a 2-0 win over Kercem Ajax so that they reached the same Kercem on the table and moved closer to secure a place away from the relegation zone before the last matches of the championship. The Blacks needed a win from this direct clash and they managed to achieve their objective with two goals scored during the second period.
The two sides tried to take command of play during the opening minutes of the match. On 10 minutes a shot by Kercem’s Elton Vella ended high and one minute later Ghajnsielem replied through an effort by Alberto Xuereb that was neutralised by goalie John Paul Cassar. In another action by the Blacks on 13 minutes a shot by Ali Oularbi just missed the target and on 19 minutes a shot from outside the area by Kercem’s Alen Haska ended wide. The same striker had another scoring opportunity on 32 minutes when he entered the area with a personal action but was denied from concluding towards goal as goalie Yandrick Cassar had excellent timing to take the ball from Haska’s feet. Ghajnsielem’s Ali Oularbi had a good effort on 39 minutes from the edge of the area that ended wide. Ghajnsielem maintained some pressure on Kercem’s defence during the final stages of the first half and in the first minute of stoppage time Kercem’s keeper John Paul Cassar was well placed to neutralise an effort by Luis Andre De Melo Lima.
Ghajnsielem maintained their momentum after the break and opened the score on 51 minutes through a direct free kick form an angled position by Joseph George Vella that surprised Kercem’s keeper. On 57 minutes the same Joseph George Vella had a close ranged shot following a melee inside Kercem’s area that was blocked by defender Joey Grech. Kercem replied one minute later through an action by Andrew Mizzi but from his inviting low cross Alen Haska hesitated to conclude and finally his attempt was blocked by defender Antonio Xuereb. Kercem’s last scoring opportunity to level the score arrived on 70 minutes through a shot by Elton Vella that ended high. Ghajnsielem made sure of the victory with a second goal when Joseph George Vella produced a personal action on the left flank and from his cross Luis Andre De Melo Lima followed the action and concluded in goal from close distance.
Referee: Shaun Calleja
by GozoFA | Apr 7, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football league Division I
Gozo Stadium
Oratory Y : 3 (R.E. Okpokwu 10’, 12’, 66’)
R. Sammut, M. Buttigieg, R. Ebubu Okpokwu, A. Bezzina, J. Buttigieg (C. Mercieca), K. Farrugia (A. Zammit), L. Mba Mutasi, S. Mbacke, G.B. Mfulwane, J. Attard (K. Grima), D. Azzopardi.
Nadur Y : 5 (S. Milankovic 9’, 48’, 50’pen.; D. Krstic 69‘, 87‘)
M. Muscat, S.H. Muller, M. Hyzler, D. Krstic (J.O. Borg), S. Miloskovic (M. Camilleri), Sh. Attard, J. Buttigieg, P.P. Camilleri (C. Hili), S. Cassar, Sa. Attard, R. Da Silva.
Nadur Youngsters obtained a 5-3 win in their match against Oratory Youths and with the points obtained they consolidated their second spot on the table. Nadur seemed determined to make up for the defeat conceded in their previous match and continued to produce offensive play despite the fact that Oratory were in contention for a positive result for most of the encounter. In this match the two defensive departments showed some limitations that were actually capitalised by the respective strikers. As a result the match was well contested and the outcome was determined with two goals scored by Nadur in the final stages of the encounter.
In the second minute of play Nadur’s Stanimir Miloskovic had a shot from a good position that ended wide. The Youngsters opened the score on 9 minutes through a header form close distance by Stanimir Miloskovic following a cross by Josef Buttigieg. Oratory had an immediate reaction and one minute later they levelled the score through a low shot by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu after releasing himself from his direct opponent inside Nadur’s area. On 12 minutes Oratory turned the result in their favour when Ralph Ebube Okpokwu received the ball inside Nadur’s area turned around Nadur’s keeper and placed easily into an open goal. Nadur seemed shocked and their reply arrived on 22 minutes through an attempt by Darko Krstic that ended wide. Nadur went again close to scoring in the first minute of stoppage time before half time but another attempt by Darko Krstic missed the target.
In the second minute of play of the second period Oratory’s keeper Richard Sammut saved with some difficulty to a corner a low shot by Darko Krstic. Nadur levelled the score one minute later through a tap-in by Stanimir Miloskovic after receiving from Saviour Attard. Nadur took command of play and on 50 minutes they regained the lead when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Manuel Buttigieg on Stanimir Miloskovic and the latter converted from the spot kick. Oratory replied on 62 minutes through a shot from a good position by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu that ended wide. In the following action Nadur operated a counter break but Oratory’s Aleandro Bezzina risked to commit an own goal to clear the ball to a corner in time to deny Darko Krstic from concluding in goal from close distance following a cross by Shaun Attard. On 65 minutes Oratory’s keeper Richard Sammut blocked an effort from close distance by Stanimir Miloskovic and form the short clearance by the defence Darko Krstic saw his lob ending on the roof of the net. One minute later Oratory levelled the score when Ralph Ebube Okpoku entered Nadur’s territory, entered the area and netted with a low shot as the goalkeeper left his position in an attempt to block the danger. Nadur had an immediate reaction and on 69 minutes they regained the lead through Darko Krstic who turned around his direct opponents onside Oratory’s area after receiving from Stanimir Miloskovic and the former placed easily in goal. The Youths tried to put all their efforts in an attempt to save the result but Nadur managed to keep the danger away from their area and continued to create offensive play particularly with counter breaks. On 85 minutes Nadur’s Darko Krstic incredibly concluded high when he was alone within Oratory’s territory following a personal action. However, two minutes later Darko Krstic sealed the victory for the Youngsters by scoring the fifth goal with a low shot from close distance after receiving from Stefan Cassar.
Referee: Mario Apap
by GozoFA | Apr 7, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Xewkija T : 1 (H.T. Barbosa Honorato 90+3’)
M. Grima, M. Gauci, D. Bogdanovic, J. Azzopardi, J. Cefai, G. Hili, O. Xuereb (J.M. Vella), M. Stojanovic, C.P. Antunes, H.T. Barbosa Honorato, T. Vella (M. Xerri)
SK Victoria W : 1 (R, Grech 38’)
G. Ratto, N.J. Guerrero, A.G. Attard, M. Vasiljevic, C. Sciortino, I. Xuereb, N. Vella, R. Grech, D.U. Monday, A.A. Ige, A. Adesina.
Xewkija Tigers recovered from a series of disappointing matches and obtained a point from a draw in the match against SK Victoria Wanderers. For this match the two sides were aiming to obtain a victory for different reasons. Xewkija needed to make up for the poor performances in their previous matches, where they failed to produce convincing play and ended up conceding defeats against teams from the lower part of the table; while the Wanderers needed points in their struggle against relegation. Xewkija held territorial supremacy for long stretches but they found it difficult to convert their play into scoring opportunities particularly because of a series of difficult interventions by Victoria’s keeper Giacomo Ratto and because they were also punished with Victoria’s goal that arrived near the end of the first half. Xewkija however managed to save the result with a goal that arrived deep into stoppage time and few second away from the final whistle.
The Tigers could have opened the score after forty one seconds of play but a strike by Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato ended on the crossbar. On 16 minutes Xewkija were again dangerous when a low drive by Thomas Vella addressed to the far corner of goal was stopped by the base of the post. Three minutes later Xewkija’s Claudio Antunes had a half volley following a cross by Joseph Cefai ended just wide. The Wanderers replied on 23 minutes through a header by Abdullahi Ige following a free kick by Anthony George Attard that ended high. Xewkija’s Joseph Cefai had a shot on the run on 28 minutes following a cross from the left flank that missed then target and in another occasion on 32 minutes another attempt by Thomas Vella ended wide. The Wanderers opened the score on 38 minutes when Abdullahi Ige released Ryan Grech who entered Xewkija’s area and fired in goal with a fine strike.
After the break Xewkija increased their efforts and on 50 minutes a shot by Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato ended away from Victoria’s goal. One minute later a free kick by Xewkija’s Claudio Antunes had a free kick that missed the target and on 57 minutes Xewkija operated a counter break but Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato’s shot was partially saved by goalie Giacomo Ratto and form the rebound the same keeper blocked the attempt by Thomas Vella. Five minutes later the Wanderers threatened Xewkija’s rearguard but a shot by Ryan Grech was well saved by Xewkija’s keeper Mark Grima. On 63 minutes Victoria’s keeper was called to make a difficult save to turn to a corner a fine strike from outside the area by Thomas Vella and two minutes later Victoria’s rear guard failed to clear the ball from the edge of the area but Claudio Antunes’s shot was weak and easily saved by goalie Giacomo Ratto. On 66 minutes Victoria’s keeper was well placed and saved in two attempts a low shot by Gennaro Hili following a cross by Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato. Victoria’s keeper continued to distinguish himself as the main protagonist of the encounter sand on 73 minutes he neitrsalised with ability a low shot by Claudio Antunes and in the first minute of stoppage time the same keeper partially saved a shot by Gennaro Hili and form the rebound he saved to a corner a low shot from outside the area by substitute Manwel Xerri. Xewkija clinched the equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time through a close ranged header by Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato following a cross by Daniel Bogdanovic.
Referee: Glen Tonna
by GozoFA | Mar 28, 2018 | News |
GFA Division II KO final
Kercem Ajax Stadium
Sannat L : 1 (A. Camilleri 24’)
O. Attard, F. Xuereb, F. Camilleri, J. Buttigieg, S. Sultana, M. Portelli, M. Muscat, J. Zammit (N. Micallef), A. Camilleri, J. Agius (E. Gauci), M. Senussi Telessi.
Munxar F : 1 (M. Matthias Uzor 11’)
L. Xuereb, B.Meilak (C. Bugeja), K. Borg, C. Gafa, P. Parnis (F. Attard), S. Muscat, O. Curmi, M. Matthias Uzor, P. Said, J. Parnis, J. Grima (R. Meilak).
Munxar Falcons win 7-6 on penalties
Munxar Falcons retained the honour as winners of the Knock Out competition for the second division with a win over Sannat Lions after a penalty shoot-out. The final of the second most important honour for the lower category was a clash between the two main challengers for promotion and as expected it pulled a sizeable crowd to the Kercem Ajax Stadium. Both Sannat and Munxar were looking forward to achieve a success in this competition particularly in view of the direct clash between the two sides at the end of the Division II campaign which will probably determine the winner of the championship and promotion. The match turned out into a well contested encounter with the victory that could have gone either way. The two goals of the match arrived during the first period and for the rest of the encounter the two teams failed to capitalise from their best scoring opportunities. In this match the two sides ended the encounter with nien players on the field as they both had two players sent off by the referee.
The two sides came out determined to take command of play and during the opening minutes both Sannat and Munxar created good scoring opportunities. On 7 minutes Munxar’s keeper Lorjean Xuereb left his areas in time to head away the ball before Mohammed Senussi Telessi could conclude towards goal. Munxar opened the score in their first serious approach within Sannat’s area when Michael Matthias Uzor took advantage of some hesitation by a defender and the goalkeeper and concluded in goal with a fine strike. Sannat were not demoralised and on 13 minutes a shot by Joseph Zammit ended just over Munxar’s goal. Three minutes later an effort by Mohammed Senussi Telessi, after exchanging the ball inside the area with Antoine Camilleri, was well saved by goalie Lorjean Xuereb. On 18 minutes the same Telessi had a shot that got a deflection inside the area and the goalkeeper save the danger. On 24 minutes Sannat levelled the score when Munxar’s rearguard failed to clear the ball from the goalmouth following a header by Mohammed Senussi Telessi from a free kick by Matthew Portelli, and Antoine Camilleri netted form the resultant melee. Sannat continued to enjoy territorial supremacy but on 41 minutes Munxar operated a counter break following a through pass by Paul Said but Joseph Grima’s lob ended wide. One minute later Sannat had a low shot by Mohammed Senussi Telessi that missed the target and on 43 minutes Sannat protested for a penalty when Mohammed Senussi Telessi ended on the floor in the area in his attempt to head the ball towards goal. In the first minute of stoppage time before half time Sannat went very close to scoring but goalie Lorjean Xuereb tuned to a corner with difficulty a free kick by Joseph Zammit and form the resultant corner action Mark Muscat’s header hit the crossbar.
After the resumption Munxar seemed more offensive in their play. On 53 minutes a free kick by Jordi Parnis ended high and less than a minute later a strike by Michael Matthias Uzor was stopped by the crossbar and from the rebound Paul Said’s shot was saved easily by goalie Owen Attard. On 57 minutes Munxar were denied from regaining the lead when defender Josiah Buttigieg cleared off the fatal line an attempt by Oliver Curmi from an angled position who entered the area with a personal action. Sannat replied on 61 minutes when Joseph Zammit received a ball inside the area but hesitated to conclude and ended up hitting badly from a good position so that the goalkeeper saved without difficulty. The match continued to be very interesting and open to any outcome. On 68 minutes Sannat had an effort by Mohammed Senussi Telessi that was well saved by goalie Lorjean Xuereb and one minute later Munxar ended with a player less on the field when Paul Said as shown a second yellow card for simulation of a foul outside the area. On 27 minutes Munxar created another scoring opportunity but a shot by substitute Ryan Meilak following a corner kick by Jordi Parnis ended just high. On 87 minutes Sannat’s goalie Owen Attard saved with some difficulty a free kick from long distance by Samuel Muscat and in the following action Munxar’s keeper Lorjean Xuereb turned the ball to a corner following some hesitation by his defenders to deny Sannat’s strikers from concluding towards goal. Sannat had their last opportunity to score the decisive goal in the third minute of stoppage time through a shot from outside the area by Josiah Buttigieg that ended wide so that the score remained unchanged and the match had to go into extra time.
In the third minute of play of the first half of extra time Sannat’s Antoine Camilleri entered Munxar’s area with a personal action but his low shot was saved in two attempts by goalie Lorjean Xuereb. One minute later the same Antoine Camilleri was shown a second yellow card by the referee for simulation as the striker ended on the floor in Munxar’s area so that the two sides played the remaining minutes with tem players. On 98 minutes Munxar had a free kick by Ryan Meilak that ended just over the crossbar and in an immediate reply by Sannat a shot on the run by Frankie Camilleri after receiving from Mohammed Senussi Telessi was well blocked by Munxar’s keeper Lorjean Xuereb. Sannat created a good scoring opportunity in the seventh minute of play of the second period of extra time when the ball arrived to an unmarked Josiah Buttigieg following an action that started from a free kick but Sannat’s player conclude wide from an ideal position. On 116 minutes Munxar ended playing with nine players as Keith Borg was shown a second yellow card for a foul in the midfield on substitute Nicholas Micallef. However, Sannat were also reduced to nine players in the third minute of stoppage time as Fabian Xuereb was shown a second yellow card for retaliation. The scored remained unchanged and the winner of the competition had to be decided in a penalty shoot out.
Sannat Lions scored six from their eight penalties through Matthew Portelli, Mohammed Senussi Telessi, Mark Muscat, Josiah Buttigieg, Eric Gauci and Frankie Casmilleri while Nicholas Micallef had his penalty shot (the fourth for his side) that was stopped by the crossbar and the eighth penalty kick by Simon Sultana ended wide.
Munxar Falcons clinched the victory of the competition by scoring seven of the eight penalties through Lorjean Xuereb, Oliver Curmi, Samuel Muscat, Jordi Parnis, Christian Bugeja, Frank Attard and Chris Gafa, while Michael Matthias Uzor had his penalty kick (the fourth for his side) that was saved by Sannat’s keeper.
After the decisive penalty kick scored by Munxar’s Chris Gafa all the Munxar players, staff and their numerous supporters started spontaneous celebrations. In the meantime the President of the Gozo Football Association Dr Samuel Azzopardi, together with Vice President Michael Angelo Grech and the General Secretary of the Association Tony Grech presented memento to the match officials, the runners up trophy to Sannat’s captain Mark Muscat, medals to all Munxar players and the KO Trophy to Munxar’s captain Keith Borg.
Referee: Daniel Portelli
by GozoFA | Mar 28, 2018 | News |
GFA Division I KO s/final
Kercem Ajax Stadium
Victoria H : 4 (H. Maciel 23’, 63’; A. Debrincat 32’, E. Lattes 86’)
D. Galea, J. Pace (J. Tabone), A. Azzopardi), D. Sowatey, F. Apap (L. Grima), K. Farrugia, E. Lattes, A. Debrincat, C. Mercieca (J. Camilleri), H. Maciel, E. Da Silva.
Oratory Y : 0
C. Mercieca, S. Azzopardi, R.E. Okpokwu (A. Zammit), M. Azzopardi, J. Buttigieg (G. Attard), K. Farrugia, J. Polo Longarela, L.M. Mba, G.B. Mfulwane, K. Grima (A. Bezzina), D. Azzopardi.
Victoria Hotspurs earned the possibility to win a second trophy this season as they won the second semi final match from the Division I KO competition against Oratory Youths. This match was played just a few days after the Hotspurs became mathematically champions of the BOV Gozo Football League Division I and was also an ideal opportunity to confirm their good moment of form. The Hotspurs as expected held command of play for most of the encounter and the victory could have been with a larger margin when considering the goal scoring actions created within Oratory’s area. The protagonist of the encounter was undoubtedly Victoria’s striker Henrique Maciel who scored two of the four goals for his side.
The Hotspurs as expected took command of play from the early stages but the first serious scoring opportunity arrived from Oratory on 10 minutes when Ralph Ebube Okpokwu entered Victoria’ area but his low shot was well blocked by goalie Daniel Galea. The Hotspurs opened the score on 23 minutes when Henrique Maciel entered Oratory’s area with a solo effort and placed easily in goal with a low shot. On 26 minutes Oratory’s keeper Courtney Mercieca made a difficult save ti turn to a corner with the aid of the crossbar a close ranged attempt by Elton Da Silva and minutes later the same keeper managed to neutralise a low shot from outside the area by Emiliano Lattes. On 35 minutes the Hotspurs doubled the score when Elton Da Silva’s attempt from close distance was stopped by the crossbar and from the rebound Andrea Debrincat pushed the ball into an open goal. Oratory’s best scoring opportunity until the end of the first half arrived on 38 minutes through a low shot by Joshua Buttigieg that was saved well by goalie Daniel Galea.
Oratory created another good scoring opportunity in the second minute of play of the second period through a cross shot by Joshua Buttigieg that almost surprised the goalkeeper who managed to recover and saved the danger. On 50 minutes the Hotspurs had a good shot by Jason Pace that ended just over the crossbar and one minute later a shot from close distance by Elton Da Silva hit the post with the goalkeeper beaten. The same Da Silva entered Oratory’s year with a personal action on 53 minutes but his low shot toward the far post ended just wide. The Hotspurs scored their third goal on 63 minutes through a shot on the run by Henrique Maciel following a low cross by Elton Da Silva. The same Maciel could have added another goal on 72 minutes but his strike following a pass by substitute John Camilleri missed the target. One minute later Oratory’s keeper Courtney Mercieca partially saved a free kick by Emiliano Lattes and from the rebound Andrea Debrincat’s attempt was stopped by the crossbar. The Hotspurs sealed the victory with the fourth goal that arrived on 86 minutes through a low shot by Emiliano Lattes following a personal action.
Referee: Darko Stankovic
by GozoFA | Mar 28, 2018 | News |
GFA Division I KO s/final
Kercem Ajax Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 4 (J.G. Vella 84’pen., J.J. Sandobal Guarin 95’, D. Hili 98, L.A. De Melo Lima 111’)
J. Grech, J.G. Vella (N. Belhadj), D. Mercieca, L.A. De Melo Lima, K. Mercieca, An. Xuereb, A. Oularbi (D. Atzori), D. Hili, Al. Xuereb, K. Grima, J.J. Sandobal Guarin.
Kercem A : 1 (D. Chaves Flores 12’)
B. Vrndic, J.P. Mizzi, M. Tabone, N. Mercieca, M. Mifsud, E. Vella, M. Perisic, A. Haska, A. Zammit (D. Cassar), A. Mizzi (J. Grech), D. Chaves Flores.
Ghajnsielem defeated Kercem Ajax in the first semi-final match of the KO competition for the top category with goals that arrived during extra time. This will be Ghajnsielem’s second final of the season as they were already finalists at the begining of the season in the GFA Super Cup and they also have a possibility to make up for their disappointment in the championship by earning a place in te third final in the case that they win their respective match from the semi-finals of the BOV GFA Cup which will be played after the end of the championship. In this match Kercem prevailed over their opponents during the first period but the Blacks had a good reaction after the break so that they levelled the score and forced the match into extra time where they ended up dominating play and scored three goals that decided the qualification.
In the first minute of play Kercem operated a good action through Andrew Mizzi who entered the area from the right flank but his attempt from an angled position was well blocked by goalie Joseph Grech. Ghajnsielem replied in the following action when Luis Andre De Melo Lima entered Kercem’s area but his effort was blocked to a corner by the defence. In the second minute Kercem were again dangerous when Daniel Chaves Flores entered Ghajnsielem’s territory and came face to face with the goalkeeper but hi lob missed the target. On six minutes the Ajax almost opened the score when a corner kick by Elton Vella surprised Ghajnsielem’s defence but Ali Oularbi cleared the ball off the fatal line an avoided a certain goal. Kercem’s Elton Vella was also unlucky on 10 minutes when his curling shot was stopped by the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten. Kercem however opened the scored two minutes later when Milos Perisic released Daniel Chaves Flores who entered the area and netted with a low shot. On 16 minutes Ghajnsielem’s keeper was well placed to block an attempt directly from a free kick by Daniel Chaves Flores and as time passed by Kercem administered their lead with authority so that the score remained unchanged until the end of the first half.
Ghajnsielem were more aggressive in their play after the break and on 51 minutes the Blacks protested for a penalty for a foul on Luis Andre De Melo Lima. Kercem replied two minutes later with a low shot by Elton Vella that ended wide and on 55 minutes Kercem’s Milos Perisic had a good effort that missed the target. On 65 minutes Kercem’s keeper Branko Vrndic made a good intervention to deny Ghajnsielem from scoring when he blocked with difficulty a strike by Luis Andre De Melo Lima and from the rebound Alberto Xuereb’s shot on the run ended high. The same goalkeeper was again called to make a good save on 68 minutes following a shot by Damon Hili and Kercem replied on 80 minutes through a counter break by Alen Haska who entered the area and addressed the ball towards goal but Ghajnsielem’s Damon Hili recovered in time and cleared the ball from the goalmouth. Ghajnsielem levelled the score on 84 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Alberto Xuereb and Joeph George Vella converted from the spot kick. The score remained unchanged until the end of regular time and therefore the first semi final had to be decided in extra time.
Kercem had the first scoring opportunity of extra time in the first minute through a free kick by Daniel Chaves Flores that ended high. Ghajnsielem turned the result in their favour on 95 minutes when Luis Andre De Melo Lima defended a ball inside Kercem’s are and from his low pass Damon Hili had a low strike that was deflected in goal by Jhon Jairo Sandobal Guarin. Kercem seemed shocked and on 98 minutes Ghajnsielem increased their lead through a ow strike by Damon Hili after receiving from Luis Andre De Melo Lima. The Blacks made sure of the qualification with the fourth goal that arrived on 111 minutes through a low drive by Luis Andre De Melo Lima.
Referee: Joseph Xerri
by GozoFA | Mar 27, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Victoria H : 2 (K. Farrugia 64’, C. Mercieca 76’)
A. Parnis, J. Pace (J. Tabone), S.F. Bajada, D. Sowatey, L. Grima (A. Azzopardi), K. Farrugia, E. Lattes, C. Camilleri, C. Mercieca, G. Dwomoh Lombas (J. Camilleri).
Gharb R : 1 (R. Zammit 90+2’)
D. Spiteri, M. Zerafa, J.P. Grima, A. Sultana, P. Dorovic, D. Bellotti, C. Attard (J. Camenzuli), M. Bezzina, J. Portelli, M. Barbosa (L. Meilak), A. Shkjan (R. Zammit).
Victoria Hotspurs found it more difficult than expected to earn the maximum points form their match against Gharb Rangers and they only managed to clinch the victory with two goals scored midway through the second period. The Hotspurs dominated over the opponents for long stretches but they found it extremely difficult to convert their territorial supremacy into goals and in some occasions they also suffered Gharb’s action within Victoria’s territory. With this result the Hotspurs took full advantage of the defeat conceded by Nadur in their respective match from match-day 13 and extended their lead over the same Nadur to seven points and retained a comfortable ten point lead Xewkija Tigers.
The two sides had some regular players missing due to suspension. Victoria started to produce play within Gharb’s territory from the early stages but Gharb’s defence was well organised and the goalkeeper was not called to make any difficult interventions. The first serious attempt towards Gharb’s goal arrived on 32 minutes through a shot by Henrique Maciel that ended away from goal. Three minutes later Galder Dwomoh Lombas had a shot following an action by Henrique Maciel that was deflected to a corner by Gharb’s defence and from the same corner action a shot by Emilliano Lattes ended just wide. The same Lattes had another attempt on 39 minutes that that ended wide. On 44 minutes Gharb operated a dangerous move through an initiative by Marcello Barbosa who realised striker Ardit Shkjan but the latter had his goal that was disallowed for an offside; and seconds before the end of the first half a shot by Gharb’s Michael Bezzina was well saved by goalie Adrian Parnis.
The Hotspurs increased their efforts from the early stages of the second period. After just fifteen seconds of play the Hotspurs protested for a penalty when Henrique Maciel ended on the floor in then and on 47 minutes a header by Galder Dwomoh Lombas following a cross by Christian Mercieca ended wide. The Hotspurs were reduced to ten players on 49 minutes when Henrique Maciel was shown two consecutive yellow cards for protests with the referee. Two minutes later Gharb also ended up with ten players when Josef Portelli was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Emilliano Lattes. On the hour mark Gharb produced another threatening action through Marcelo Barbosa but from his pass Ardit Shkjan incredibly failed to hit properly and the goalkeeper neutralised the danger. Three minutes later Gharb’s keeper Daniel Spiteri was well placed to block a shot by Emilliano Lattes but on 64 minutes the Hotspurs opened the score through a header by Kevin Farrugia following a cross by Jason Pace. Six minutes later the Hotspurs were again dangerous but a shot by Emilliano lattes following a clearance by the defence, ended over the crossbar. On 77 minutes Victoria Hotspurs doubled the score through a low shot by Christian Mercieca who was released in the area by Emilliano Lattes. Gharb managed to score their consolation goal and made the score a respectable one in the second minute of stoppage time with a low shot by substitute Reuben Zammit who received inside the area from the other substitute Josef Camenzuli following a fine move by John Paul Grima.
Referee: Sandro Spiteri
by GozoFA | Mar 27, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Kercem A : 3 (A. Zammit 45’, A. Mizzi 54’, E. Vella 61’)
J.P. Cassar, A. Komljenovic (D. Cassar), N. Mercieca, N. Mercieca, M. Perisic, J.P. Mizzi, E. Vella, A. Mizzi, A. Haska, A. Zammit, O. Spiteri, D.C. Flores.
Ghajnsielem FC : 3 (M.A. Morgon Filho 31’, A. Xuereb 40’, L.A. De Melo Lima 90+3’)
J. Grech, An. Xuereb (R. Grima), D. Mercieca, L.A. De Melo Lima, K. Mercieca, Al. Xuereb, A. Oularbi, J.G. Vella (D. Atzori), K. Grima (D. Hili), M.A. Morgon Filho, J.J. Sandobal Guarin.
Kercem Ajax and Ghajnsielem shared six goals in an entertaining match which was considered as a direct clash for the fourth place on the standings. Ghajnsielem were aiming to win this match to reach the same Kercem on the table. The Blacks also took a two-goal lead but Kercem had a determined reaction and turned the result in their favour. Kercem failed to capitalise from a good moment to score another goal and put their minds at rest from the victory so that Ghajnsielem managed to produce an effective reaction during the final moments of the match and saved the result with a gaol that arrived seconds away from the final whistle. The result however favoured Kercem as they remain three points ahead of Ghajnsielem on the table.
Ghajnsielem were undoubtedly the better side for most of the first period. On 9 minutes a header by Luis Andre De Melo Lima from a cross by Kenneth Mercieca ended high and less than a minute later Ghajnsielem’s keeper Joseph Grech left his position in time to clear the ball before Alen Haska could arrive on the ball to conclude from close distance. Ghajnsielem opened the score on 31 minutes when Luis Andre De Melo Lima produced some pressure on Kercem’s goalie John Paul Cassar, won the possession and form his low pass Marco Antonio Morgon Filho fired in goal from close distance. Kercem tried to produce a reaction and three minutes later a free kick by Alen Haska was saved to a corner by goalie Joseph Grech. Minutes later a header by Daniel Chayes Flores from another corner kick by Elton Vella was deflected to a corner by Ghajnsielem’s rear guard. Ghajnsielem doubled the score on 40 minutes when Joseph George Vella entered the area from the right flank and from his cross a shot by Luis Andre De Melo Lima was blocked by the defence and from the rebound Alberto Xuereb concluded in goal with a low shot that ended in the net despite the attempt of the goalkeeper to clear the danger. On 45 minutes Kercem reduced the deficit through a close ranged header by Anthony Zammit following a corner kick by Alen Haska.
Kercem maintained their momentum from the early stages of the second period and on 54 minutes they levelled the score when Andrew Mizzi took the ball following some hesitation by the defence to clear from the edge of the area and placed in goal with a low drive. Ghajnsielem were shocked and on 59 minutes Kercem’s Alen Haska had an attempt that was stopped by the crossbar and from the rebound Daniel Chayes Flores fired high from close distance. Kercem however turned the sore in their favour on 61 minutes when Daniel Chayes Flores took the ball from a free kick by Alen Haska, his shot was partially saved by goalie Joseph Grech with the aid of the post and from the rebound Elton Vella arrived on the ball and concluded with a shot on the run. Ghajnsielem replied two minutes later through a header from close distance by Kenneth Mercieca that missed the target, and on 65 minutes Kercem’s Jean Paul Mizzi had an effort following a free kick by Alen Haska that was neutralised by goalie Joseph Grech. Ghajnsielem’s goalie was again called to make an important save on 84 minutes to block an effort by Daniel Chayes Flores and the same goalkeeper practically kept his side in contention on 90 minutes when he saved with some difficulty a shot by Elton Vella. Ghajnsielem replied less than a minute later with a low shot by Marco Antonio Morogon Filho that was blocked by the goalkeeper and in the third minute of stoppage time the Blacks levelled the score when Kercem’s defence filed to clear the ball from the are following a free kick by Damon Hili and Luis Andre De Melo Lima took the ball and netted with a low shot.
Referee: Daniel Portelli
by GozoFA | Mar 25, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Nadur Y : 2 (D. Krstic 17’, C. Hili 48’)
M. Muscat, S.H. Muller, D. Farrugia, C. Hili (M. Hyzler), D. Krstic, Sh. Attard, J. Buttigieg (B. Said), S. Cassar, Sa. Attard (C. Debono), D. Dos Santos, N. Stojanovic.
Xewkija T : 5 (H.T. Barbosa Honorato 16’pen, 26’; C. Antunes 21’, 45+1’, 85’)
F. Vella, J. Azzopardi, M. Xerri, D. Bogdanovic, G. Hili (O. Xuereb), R. Buttigieg, J.M. Vella, S. Bajada, M. Stojanovic, C.P. Antunes, H.T. Barbosa Honorato (M. Gauci).
Xewkija Tigers obtained an impressive 5-2 win over Nadur Youngsters in the main match from match-day 13 of the championship so that Nadur suffer a set-back in their ambition to keep their challenge for the title. With this result Xewkija confirmed that they recovered from a difficult period where they registered a series of disappointing results which compromised the possibility to defend the title that they won last season. Xewkija had some tactical changes in their formation particularly by deploying Daniel Bogdanovic as a central defender and by placing Claudio Antunes in the role of the second striker. Xewkija paved the way to the large win by scoring four goals during the first half. They administered their comfortable lead for most of the second period and also made sure of the victory with fifth goal that arrived minutes form the end of the match. Nadur compromised their possibility to obtain a positive result from this encounter during the first period. Nadur were surprised by Xewkija’s play and although they levelled the score minutes after conceding the first goal they failed to be effective. Nadur tried to produce a reaction after the break but overall they had a very disappointing performance and also ended up with their coach and an official sent off from the bench and two players sent off from the field of play.
Xewkija were determined to make up for the defeat conceded against Nadur in the match between the two sides of the first round and produced danger within Nadur’s territory from the early stages. In the third minute of play a header by Claudio Antunes form a corner kick by Shaun Bajada was saved by goalie Matthew Muscat and on 7 minutes a low shot by Milos Stojanovic ended wide. Nadur’s keeper Matthew Muscat was again called to make a good intervention on 10 minutes to turn to a corner a shot from long distance by Shaun Bajada and on 14 minutes Xewkija opened the sore when the referee awarded a penalty for handling by Sandro Muller following a corner action and Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato converted from the spot kick. Nadur had an immediate reaction and on 17 minutes they levelled the score through a close ranged shot by Darko Krstic following a low cross by Josef Buttigieg. Xewkija however regained command of play and on 21 minutes they regained the lead when Nadur’s defence failed to clear a kick that arrived form Xewkija’s keeper and Claudio Antunes concluded in goal with a shot on the run. Nadur tried to recover the score for the second time in the space of few minutes but on 23 minutes an effort by Dewide Dos Santos was well saved to a corner by goalie Franklin Vella. One minute later it was Xewkija’s Claudio Antunes who cleared off from the goalmouth a threatening shot by Darko Krstic following s melee inside the area. Xewkija increased their lead on 26 minutes when Claudio Antunes operated a counter break as Nadur protested for a foul in the midfield and from his pass Halleson Thiago Barbosa Honorato placed in goal with a low shot. Nadur were shocked and on 29 minutes Xewkija had a free kick by Shaun Bajada that ended on the crossbar. Nadur’s reaction continued to be sterile as Xewkija defended well and also added another goal that arrived in the first minute of stoppage time before half time when Claudio Antunes took the ball from the rebound of a clearance by keeper Matthew Muscat on his defender Daniel Farrugia and netted easily into an open goal.
Nadur regained composure after the break and seemed determined to reduce the deficit. On 47 minutes Xewkija’s keeper Franklin Vella was well placed to save an effort by Dewide Dos Santos but one minute later Nadur’s Charles Hili surprised the same keeper with a fine strike from outside the area. Nadur tried to increase their efforts in an attempt to add another goal. On 61 minutes Xewkija’s defence cleared badly a free kick by Darko Krstic but Dewide Dos Santos shot from an ideal position missed the target. In another occasion that arrived two minutes later Nadur’s Stefan Cassar had a good shot that was saved to a corner by goalie Franklin Vella and from the same corner action Saviour Attard’s attempt was weak and easily saved by the keeper. The same goalkeeper was called to make another good intervention on 70 minutes to save in two attempts a shot by Shaun Attard and four minutes later goalie Franklin Vella saved with some difficulty to a corner a direct free kick by Dewide Dos Santos. Nadur lost a good scoring opportunity on 76 minutes when Darko Krstic failed to hit the ball when Xewkija’s defence did not clear a cross from the left flank. Three minutes later Nadur ended with ten players on the field when Darko Krstic was sent off for a second bookable offence but on 83 minutes they could have scored their third goal but a free kick by Dewide Dos Santos was cleared to a corner with some difficulty by Xewkija’s keeper. Xewkija scored their fifth goal on 85 minutes when a shot by Rodney Buttigieg was blocked by Nadur’s defence and Claudio Antunes took the ball and fired in goal with a low shot from the edge of the area. Nadur ended the match on a negative note as they had Brandon Said who was sent off for a foul on Gennaro Hili so that the Youngsters played the remaining minutes with nine players on the field.
Referee: Ishmael Barbara
by GozoFA | Mar 25, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
SK Victoria W : 2 (I. Xuereb 58’, A. Ige 66’)
G. Ratto, N.J. Guerrero, A.G. Attard, R. Grech (J. Buhagiar), A. Touarha (J. Meilak), P. Dordevic, C. Sciortino, I Xuereb, D.U. Monday, A.A. Ige, A. Adesina.
Oratory Y : 2 (R.E. Okpokwu 22’, J. Buttigieg 45+2’)
C. Mercieca, D. Azzopardi, R. Ebube Okpokwu, M. Buttigieg, K. Grima, K. Farrugia, J. Polo Longarela, S. Mbacke, J. Buttigieg (Jo. Attard), M. Azzopardi, G.B. Mfulwane (C. Mercieca).
The direct clash between the two sides at the two places occupying the lower places on the table, Oratory Youths and SK Victoria Wanderers, ended in a draw so that the two sides remain at the same places and in serious relegation trouble. At the end the final result satisfied Oratory Youths more as they remain with a two point lead over the Wanderers. The match turned out in an interesting encounter where each team prevailed over the opponent for a half each.
The Wanderers needed a win from this match to move over the Youths on the table and tried to put some pressure on Oratory’s defence from the early stages. In the second minute of play Oratory’s goalie Courtney Mercieca left his position in time to block an effort by Ajibade Adesina. Two minutes later Victoria’s Ian Xuereb had a shot that was deflected to a corner but as time passed by Oratory came out of their defence and took command of the midfield. On 10 minutes Victoria’s goalie Giacomo Ratto saved a header by Javier Polo Longarela following a corner kick by Kersten Grima and from the rebound Ralph Ebube Okpokwu’s effort was blocked to a corner. Two minutes later a close ranged attempt by Kersten Grima following a free kick from long distance. On 14 minutes Victoria’s goalie Giacomo Ratto turned to a corner with difficulty an attempt by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu and two minutes later a header by Joshua Buttigieg from a corner kick by Daniel Azzopardi ended wide. Oratory opened the score on 22 minutes when Ralph Ebube Okpokwu won the ball from Victoria’s defence and netted with a low shot as he came face to face with the goalkeeper. Oratory were now in the driving seat and tried to control play in the midfield. The Wanderers had their best opportunity to level the score on 41 minutes through a cross shot by Ian Xuereb that ended on the roof of the net. Oratory managed to double the score in the second minute of stoppage time before half time when a shot by Kersten Grima from close distance was blocked by the defence and form the rebound Joshua Buttigieg took the ball and fired in close with a fine strike.
After the break the Wanderers came out more determined in an attempt re-open the issue. On 55 minutes Victoria’s Ajibade Adesina had a header from a cross by Ian Xuereb that ended wide and three minutes later they reduced the deficit when Oragtory’s goalie failed to hold a cross by Chris Sciortino and Ian Xuereb took the ball and concluded into an open goal. Oratory replied one minute alter with allow shot by Joshua Buttigieg that was blocked by Victoria’s Predrag Dordevic. However, the Wanderers kept insisting and on 63 minutes Oratory’s goalie Courtney Mercieca once again had good timing to clear the ball from the area before Ian Xuereb could conclude in goal. Victoria clinched the equaliser on 66 minutes through a header by Abdullahi Ige following a free kick from long distance by Anthony George Attard. The match during the final stages became more exciting and the win could have gone either way. On 72 minutes Oratory lost a good scoring opportunity when Kersten Grima headed over the crossbar from close distance following a cross by substitute Johann Attard. Victoria’s best scoring opportunities arrived in two separate actions around the 80th minute through two shots from outside the area by Ian Xuereb that ended away from Oratory’s goal so that the score remained unchnged until the final whistle.
Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
by GozoFA | Mar 25, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Victoria H : 4 (A. Debrincat 15’, E. Da Silva 44’, 67’, 83’pen)
A. Parnis, J.Pace (A. Azzopardi), J. Bajada, S.F. Bajada (J. Camilleri), D. Sowatey, F. Apap, C. Mercieca, E. Lattes, E. Da Silva, A. Debrincat (L. Grima), G. Dwomoh Lombas.
Ghajnsielem FC : 1 (M.A. Morgon Filho 72’)
J. Grech, J.G. Vella (D. Atzori), D. Mercieca, L.A. De Melo Lima, K. Mercieca, An. Xuereb, A. Oularbi, D. Hili, K. Grima (C. Dingli), M.A. Morgon Filho, J.J. Sandobal Guarin.
Victoria Hotspurs lived up to the expectations and scored two goals in each half in their match against Ghajnsielem so that with the points obtained they became mathematically champions of the BOV Gozo Football league 2017/2018 although each team of the top flight still has to play four matches until the end of the championship. The Hotspurs were determined to clinch the tile that they have been chasing since the begining of the season on their first opportunity. The Hotspurs were among the favourites to win the title this seasons and prevailed over their main rivals not only in the direct clashes form the first two rounds of the championship but also in the matches against teams from the lower part of the table. Along the way to this success the Hotspurs were consistent so that they only dropped two points from seventeen matches and are still the only undefeated side. Their rivals on the other hand gave in as soon as they fell back from the Hotspurs by a few points so that in the matches from the third and final round the Hotspurs extended their lead, until this stage, to fifteen points. This was Victoria’s twelfth title won in the club history and they now become the Gozitan team who won most championships in Gozo. The success for the Hotspurs was a result of a collective effort that starts from the administration, led by President Dr Anton Tabone with the assistance of team Manager Marvin Buttigieg, the technical staff led by their coach Gotthard Conti with the assistance of Rueben Mercieca, and all the players who formed a competitive side that contributed to take the silverware back to Victoria Hotspurs’ premises after eight years.
The Hotspurs, who needed the win to make sure of becoming champions at the end of this match, took command of play from the early stages and in the tenth minute of play an effort by Andrea Debrincat ended high. Less than a minute later Victoria’s Jonathan Bajada had a good strike that ended just wide and on 15 minutes the Hotspurs opened the score when Galder Dwomoh Lombas entered Ghajnsielem’s area from the left flank and form his low cross Andrea Debrincat netted with a tap-in. Two minutes later Victoria were again dangerous when Galder Dwomoh Lombas entered Ghajnsielem’s territory but his low drive towards the far post ended just wide. On 19 minutes Victoria’s Andrea Debrincat passed inside the area to an unmarked Galder Dwomoh Lombas but the latter saw his attempt stopped by the crossbar and from the rebound Elton Da Silva concluded high. The Blacks replied on 32 minutes through a shot by Damon Hili that ended high and on 42 minutes Victoria’s Elton Da Silva had a low shot that ended wide. One minute later Victoria’s keeper Adrian Parnis was called to make a good save following a strike by Ali Oularbi from outside the area but on 45 minutes the Hotspurs doubled the score when Elton Da Silva took the ball following a through pass by Ferdinando Apap and the former placed in goal with a lob over Ghajnsielem’s keeper.
Ghajnsielem tried to produce a reaction after the break and on 52 minutes Victoria’s keeper Adrian Parnis was well placed to block an effort by Luis Andre De Melo Lima. The same goalkeeper was called to make a good save on 55 minutes following a close ranged shot by Marco Antonio Morgon Filho and on 59 minutes the Hotspurs had a goal by Elton Da Silva was disallowed for an offside. Ghajnsielem were again dangerous on 66 minutes through a shot by Marco Antonio Morgon Filho that ended high and one minute later the Hotspurs added another goal, through a low shot by Elton Da Silva following a counter break by the same striker. Ghajnsielem replied on 71 minutes with a shot by Luis Andre De Melo Lima that was partially saved by the goalkeeper and the defence cleared the danger with some difficulty. The Blacks scored their consolation goal on 72 minutes with a low shot from close distance by Marco Antonio Morgon Filho that surprised Victoria’s goalie. On 76 minutes Ghajnsielem’s Ali Oularbi had a good shot that was turned to a corner by goalie Adrian Parnis and on 80 minutes the Hotspurs went again close to scoring through a shot that was blocked by the defence and form the rebound the same Mercieca had his attempt saved by the goalkeeper Joseph Grech. On 83 minutes the Hotspurs were awarded a penalty for a foul by Dylan Mercieca on Elton Da Silva and the same striker converted from the spot kick. On 88 minutes the Blacks could have scored a second goal but a free kick by Ali Oularbi was well saved by goalie Adrian Parnis. On 89 minutes Victoria’s substitute John Camilleri had a good shot saved by goalie Joseph Grech and in the third minute of stoppage time Ghajnsielem had their last scoring opportunity of the encounter but cross shot by Damon Hili ended over the crossbar.
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
by GozoFA | Mar 25, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
SK Victoria W : 5 (A. Ige 60’, 61’; I. Xuereb 74’, 90+2’; R. Grech 90’)
G. Ratto, N.J. Guerrero, A.G. Attard, J. Buhagiar (R. Grech), M. Vasiljevic, C. Sciortino, I. Xuereb, N. Vella, D.U. Monday, A.A. Ige, A. Adesina.
Nadur Y : 2 (S. Attard 35’, B. Said 56’)
M. Muscat, M. Hyzler (C. Abela), S.H. Muller, D. Farrugia (N. Stojanovic), C. Debono, S. Milskovic, Sh. Attard, B. Said (J.O. Borg), S. Cassar, Sa. Attard, D. Dos Santos.
SK Victoria Wanderers regained a three-point lead over the team at the bottom place on the table with three points obtained for a 5-2 win over Nadur Youngsters, and with this result Nadur mathematically dropped out of challenge for the title. In this match Nadur held command of play for the first hour and opened a deserved two-goal led. However, the Youngsters seemed overconfident and went into a black-out for as the Wanderers scored their first goal on the hour mark. The final result of this encounter not only paved the way to Victoria Hotspurs to become mathematically champions this season but also re-opened the tussle against the relegation, as three trams are seeking to earn points to make sure of their division I status for the next season while the Wanderers and Oratory Youths are struggling to avoid the bottom place and the drop to the lower category.
Nadur created the first serious scoring opportunity on 7 minutes through a free kick by Sandro Muller that was blocked with some difficulty by goalie Giacomo Ratto and from the rebound Brandon Said’s attempt ended wide. On 21 minutes a shot by Nadur’s Shaun Attard missed the target and Nadur were again dangerous on 24 minutes through a first time by Stanimir Miloskovic following a cross by Christian Debono that ended just high. The Wanderers continued to suffer Nadur’s supremacy and on 32 minutes they went very close to scoring but Stefan Cassar failed to connect an inviting cross by Stanimir Miloskovic. Nadur however opened the score on 35 minutes through a low shot by Shaun Attard following a personal action. One minute later an effort by Dewide Dos Santos was saved to a corner with some difficulty y Victoria’s keeper Giacomo Ratto and on 37 minutes the same goalkeeper was called to make a good save to turn to a corner a close ranged attempt by Brandon Said.
After the resumption Nadur continued to be the better side but on 52 minutes the Wanderers produced their first attempt towards Nadur’s goal through a strike by Ian Xuereb that missed the target. On 56 minutes Victoria’s keeper Giacomo Ratto was well placed to block a close ranged shot by Brandon Said but from the defence cleared badly and in the following action Dewide Dos Santos crossed from the left flank towards the far post and Brandon Said headed in goal from close distance. Nadur seemed in the driving seat but on the hour mark the Wanderers reduced the score when Abdullahi Ige entered Nadur’s territory with a personal action and placed in goal with a low shot. The Citizens grew in confidence and one minute later they levelled the score when substitute Ryan Grech released Abdullahi Ige who fired in goal form an ideal position. Nadur were shocked and the Wanderers increased their efforts in an attempt to turn the result in their favour. On 72 minutes Abdullahi Ige released Ajibade Adesina but the latter had his attempt blocked by goalie Matthew Muscat. The Wanderers took the lead on 74 minutes when Abdullahi Ige took the ball from the midfield and unmarked Ian Xuereb who netted with a fine shot form an angled position. On 81 minutes Victoria’s Abdullahi Ige could have added another goal but his shot following a personal action ended wide. On 87 minutes the Wanderers were again dangerous through a shot by Abdullahi Ige following a pass by Jesus Guerrero that missed the target. Victoria scored their fourth goal on 90 minutes when a strike by Ajibade Adesina hit the crossbar and from the rebound Ryan Grech concluded in goal from close distance. In the second minute of stoppage time the Wanderers sealed the victory when Abdullahi Ige released Ian Xuereb who entered the area and concluded easily into an open goal.
Referee: Jude Utulu
by GozoFA | Mar 24, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II
Kercem Ajax Stadium
Sannat L : 4 (A. Camilleri 28’, M.S. Telessi 31’, 78’; F. Xuereb 56’)
O. Attard (L. Camilleri), F. Xuereb (J. Buttigieg), F. Camilleri, N. Micallef (E. Gauci), S. Sultana,M. Portelli, M. Muscat,J. Zammit, A. Camilleri, D. Borg, M. Zenussi Telessi.
Zebbug R : 1 (C. Borg 74’)
B. Saliba, G. Portelli, F. Cini, C. Borg,O. Calleja, C. Vella,A. Buttigieg (M. Formosa), M. Ciangura, B. Perello Palou,P. Camilleri,C. Farrugia (L. Farrugia).
Sannat Lions obtained an important win over Zebbug Rovers who are occupying a mid table position so that at the end of Match-Day 17 they are just one point behind the leaders Munxar Falcons. Sannat’s win was deserved because they dictated matters for long stretches and paved the way to the win with two goals scored during the first period. Sannat’s striker Mohammed Senussi Tellessi was again the protagonist in Sannat’s win as he scored two personal goals and increased his tally at the top of the top scorers table to 23 goals.
Zebbug tried to surprise their opponents during the opening stages of the encounter and in the fourth minute of play Bartomeu Perello Palou had a curling shot that ended high. Sannat replied on 11 minutes through an effort by Mohammed Senussi Telessi following a cross by Fabian Xuereb that ended high. On 12 minutes Sannat were awarded a penalty for a foul by Patrick Camilleri on Joseph Zammit but Matthew Portelli’s shot from the spot kick was partially saved by goalie Baskal Saliba and the same goalkeeper saved again the attempt by Antoine Camilleri from the rebound. On 17 minutes Sannat created another good scoring opportunity but Mohammed Senussi Telessi headed high from a good position following a cross by Antoine Camilleri. Zebbug created a good scoring opportunity on 21 minuts through a strike by Christian Vella that was saved with difficulty by goalie Owen Attard and four minutes later Sannat’s Joseph Zamnmit had an effort directly from a free kick that ended high. On 27 minutes the same Zammit had a shot on the run that missed the target but one minute later Sannat opened the score when Antoine Camilleri entered Zebbug’s territory and placed in goal wih a low drive as the goalkeeper left his position in an attempt to block the danger. Sannat kept insisting and on 30 minutes a header by Mohammed Senussi Telessi ended just over the crossbar. Sannat’s striker Mohammed Senussi Telessi doubled the score for his side one minute latern when he concluded in goal wth a low shot following a cross by Joseph Zammit. Zebbug could have reduced the deficit on 40 minutes but Sannat’s goalie Owen Attard made two difficult interventions to save his goal following a corner kick by Bartomeu Perello Palou that was addressed towards goal and the same keeper saved well the attempt by Marco Ciangura from the rebound.
Sannat continued to command play after the resumption and on 56 minutes they added another goal through a lob from outside the area by Fabian Xuereb that surprised Zebbug’s keeper. On 64 minutes Sannat had a goal by Mohammed Senussi Telessi that was disallowed for an offside and on 74 minutes the Rovers reduced their deficit when Bartomeu Perello Palou released Chris Borg inside Sannat’s area and the latter netted with a low shot. On 79 minutes Sannat regained the three-goal lead through a header by Mohammed Senussi Telessi following a cross by Fabian Xuereb. During the remaining minutes Sannat created other scoring opportunities and could have ended the match by winning with a larger margin. On 83 minutes a good shot by Mohammed Senussi Telesii was cleared of the fatal line by Zebbug’s defender Omar Calleja and in another occasion Sannat’s Frankie Camilleri incredibly concluded high when he was alone in front of an open goal.
Referee: Emmanuel Grech
by GozoFA | Mar 24, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II
Kercem Ajax Stadium
Qala S : 0
J. Curmi, F. Mumford, S. Sillato, S. Spiteri, J. Cutajar,M. Niakate, J. Buttigieg, J. Attard, J. Mifsud, M. Pace, B. Sammut (A.Xerri).
St Lawrence S : 9 (R. Duric 3’, 73’; K. Hili 26’, 71’, 75’; C. Tabone 31’, L. Attard 57’, 79’; C. Mifsud 78’)
Lu. Buttigieg, S. Sultana (S. Mizzi), K. Hili,J. Theuma (C. Cauchi), D. Radovan, C. Azzopardi,J. Grima, D. Micallef,C. Farrugia, C. Tabone (C. Mifsud), L. Attard.
St Lawrence Spurs marked the largest win in Gozitan football this season in their match against Qala Saints. St Lawrence paved the way to the large win with an early goal so that Qala never managed to find a way to resist their opponents. The Spurs scored five goals within ten minutes near the end of the encounter that expressed their superiority with a large margin. With this result the Spurs consolidated their third spot on the table while Qala remain at the bottom place.
The Spurs had an excellent start and opened the score in third minute of play through a header by Radovan Duric following a corner kick by Charlon Farrugia. Four minutes later St Lawrence could have doubled the score but Charlon Tabone failed to connect from close distance to an inviting low cross by Luke Attard. On 8 minutes an effort by St Lawrence’s Jason Theuma was stopped by the post and on 15 minutes Kenny Hili concluded high from a good position following a cross by Radovan Duric. On 21 minutes a low shot by Kenny Hili was saved by goalie Jonathan Curmi but five minutes later St Lawrence doubled the score with a low shot by Kenny Hili following a cross formt he right flank by Luke Attard. On 30 minutes a goal by St Lawrence’s Charlon Tabone was disallowed for an offside infringement but one minute later the same Charlon Tabone made it 3-0 with a close ranged shot following another pass by Luke Attard. Qala’s best patch of play arrived near the end of the first half but on 33 minutes a free kick from long distance by Joseph Attard was turned to a corner by goalie Luke Buttigieg and in the second minute of stoppage time before half time a low shot by Modibo Niakate ended wide.
However, during the second period St Lawrence continued to dictate the run of play. On 49 minutes the a shot by Charlon Tabone was partially saved by goalie Jonathan Curmi and form the rebound Kenny Hili placed in the net but the goal was disallowed for an offside infringement. However, St Lawrence’s fourth goal arrived on 57 minute the Spurs scored their fourth goal through a low shot by Luke Attard following a personal action and on the hour mark Qala had a goal by Jake Mifsud that was disallowed for an offside. St Lawrence continued to dominate over their opponents during the remaining minutes and scored on five other occasions. On 71 minutes Kenny Hili made it 5-0 with a low shot after receiving form Christian Azzopardi and two minutes later Radovan Duric added another goal directly from a free kick.. On 75 minutes St Lawrence’s Kenny Hili marked his personal hat-trick by placing behind the goalkeeper with a low shot. Three minutes later Qala’s keeper Jonathan Curmi failed to hold a cross by substitute Shaun Mizzi and the other substitute Carlton Mifsud took the ball and netted from close distance. St Lawrence scored the ninth and final goal on 79 minutes through Luke Attard who concluded form close distance a cross by Radovan Duric.
Referee: Dorian Caruana
by GozoFA | Mar 24, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Kercem A : 1 (M. Mifsud 65’)
B. Vrndic, M. Tabone, J.P. Mizzi, J. Grech (A. Zammit), N. Mercieca, M. Mifsud, A. Haska, M. Perisic, D. Chaves Flores (D. Cassar), E. Vella, A. Mizzi.
Oratory Y : 1 (G.B. Mfulwane 19’)
C. Mercieca, S. Azzopardi, R.E. Okpokwu, M. Buttigieg, J. Buttigieg (A. Zammit), K. Farrugia, J. Polo Longarela, S. Mbacke, G.B. Mfulwane, J. Attard (K. Grima), D. Azzopardi.
Kercem Ajax and Oratory Youths earned a point each from a draw of two goals in a match where Kercem were seeking to regain some pride after a series of disappointing results, while Oratory needed points in their attempt to move away from the bottom place on the table. At the end the final score satisfied the Ajax more as they managed to obtain a positive result and retained their fourth place on the standings. Oratory on the other hand failed to obtain their objective mainly because they failed to capitalise form the scoring opportunities so that they remained at the same position on the table.
In the second minute of play Kercem protested for a penalty when Alen Haska ended on the floor in the area when challenged by an opponent and on 15 Oratory replied with a shot by Joshua Buttigieg that ended wide. The Youths opened the score on 12 minutes when Ralph Ebube Okpokwu released Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane who controlled well and netted with a low drive. Kercem replied on 32 minutes with a shot by Andrew Mizzi that ended high and on 39 minutes Oratory could have doubled the score but a good shot by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu was well saved by goalie Branko Vrndic.
Kercem were more offensive in their play after the break and on 48 minutes a free kick by Elton Vella was saved to a corner by goalie Courtney Mercieca. Three minutes later Kercem’s Daniel Chaves Flores received a ball in the area but hesitated to conclude so that Oratory’s goalie blocked the danger. Oratory replied on 57 minutes when Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane released Ralph Ebube Okpokwu but the latter had his shot from an ideal position that was blocked by the goalkeeper. Kercem scored the equaliser on 65 minutes through a lob by Mario Mifsud that ended out of the reach of the goalkeeper. Four minutes later Kercem were again dangerous but an effort by Nathaniel Mercieca following a cross by Andrew Mizzi ended just wide. As time passed by the Youths became more dangerous in their counter breaks but the strikers were often erratic in their finishing. On 72 minutes Oratory’s Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane had a shot that was neutralised by goalie Branko Vrndic and onn76 minutes Kercem had a free kick by Daniel Chaves Flores that ended high. One minutes later Oratory’s Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane entered Kercem’s territory but once again the striker failed to conclude in his first opportunity and at the end his attempt was blocked by defender Nathaniel Mercieca. Kercem’s goalie was again at the right place on 80 minutes to turn to a corner another effort by Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane following a pass by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu. Oratory’s last opportunity to clinch the victory arrived in 83 minutes but substitute Kersten Grima concluded over the crossbar form a good position.
Referee: Sandro Spiteri
by GozoFA | Mar 24, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Gharb R : 5 (M. Barbosa 12’, 20’pen., 58’, 76’; A. Shkjan 26’)
D. Spiteri, A. Sultana, J. Azzopardi, P. Dorovic, M. Zerafa, B. Polo Longarela, M. Bezzina (J. Camenzuli), A. Shkjan (J. Portelli), M. Barbosa, D. Bellotti, J.P. Grima.
Xewkija T : 3 (D. Bogdanovic 6’, C. Antunes 63’pen., 65’)
F. Vella, M. Gauci, M. Xerri (T. Vella), D. Sakic, O. Xuereb (T. Grech), J.M. Vella, M. Stojanovic, J. Cefai, G. Hili (J. Saliba), D. Bogdanovic, C.P. Antunes.
Gharb Rangers earned three precious points in their attempt to move away from the relegation zone from a 5-3 win over Xewkija Tigers. In this match Gharb confirmed their good moment of form and continued to be among the favourites to retain their division I status for another season. Gharb dictated matter throughout the encounter and made it very difficult to Xewkija to produce a reaction. Xewkija continued to show lack of motivation and ended up conceded the seventh defeat in the championship. In this match the main protagonist was Gharb’s striker Marcelo Barbosa who scored four personal goals and was also a continuous threat to Xewkija’s rearguard.
Gharb were very aggressive from the early stages and on six minutes a shot by Ardit Shkjau following a clearance by Xewkija’s defence ended wide. In the following action Xewkija surprised their opponents as Daniel Bogandovic opened the score with a lob over the goalkeeper following a through pas by Milos Stojanovic. Gharb were not demoralised and levelled the score on 12 minutes when Marcelo Barbosa received a pass from Michael Bezzina and the Brazilian striker placed in goal with a low shot. Xewkija replied on 16 minutes through a shot by Daniel Bogdanovic that was saved to a corner by goalie Daniel Spiteri. Gharb turned the result in their favour on 20 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Manwel Xerri on Marcelo Barbosa and the latter converted from the spot kick. Two minutes later Gharb’s Borja Polo Longarela had a good shot well saved by Xewkija’s goalie Franklin Vella. On 25 minutes Xewkija’s Claudio Antunes had an effort that was neutralised by goalie Daniel Spiteri and one minute later Gharb added another goal through Ardit Shkjau who took the ball when the goalkeeper was out of his position and deposited easily into an open goal. On 33 minutes a free kick by Xewkija’s Claudio Antunes ended high and less than a minute later Xewkija’s keeper partially saved with difficulty an effort by Michael Zerafa but form the resultant melee both Ardit Shkjau and Borja Polo Longarela failed to conclude towards goal. Gharb were again dangerous on 40 minutes with a personal action by Marcelo Barbosa but goalie Franklin Vella blocked the danger to a corner and three minutes later a shot by Ardit Shkjau from a good position ended high.
After the break Xewkija tried to produce a reaction. On 50 minutes a shot by Joseph Mario Vella ended away from Gharb’s goal and in another action on 55 minutes the Tigers went again close to scoring but Omar Xuereb’s shot from a good position missed the target, Xewkija were punished for the missed chances on 58 minutes when Gharb increased their lead through another fine finish by Marcelo Barbosa who was released by Michael Bezzina. One minute later a shot by Gharb’s Ardit Shkjau ended high and on 61 minutes Xewkija went very close to scoring but a close ranged attempt by Daniel Bogdanovic following a cross by Claudio Antunes was partially saved by Gharb’s keeper Daniel Spiteri and form the rebound the same Bogdanovic had his shot that ended high. One minute later Xewkija’s keeper Franklin Vella was well placed to neutralise an effort by Michael Bezzina. Xewkija were awarded a penalty on 63 minutes for a foul by Anthony Sultana on Claudio Antunes and the same striker reduced the deficit with his shot from the spot kick. Gharb seemed shocked on two minutes later Xewkija re-opened their chances to save the result when they scored the third goal through a fine header by Claudio Antunes following a cross by Daniel Bogdanovic. On 67 minutes Xewkija’s Milos Stojanovic had a good shot that ended wide. Gharb regained supremacy and on 72 minutes Xewkija’s keeper Franklin Vella was called to make a good save to turn to a corner a low shot by Marcelo Barbosa. Gharb sealed the victory on 76 minutes when Gharb’s defence cleared with some difficulty the ball from their area following a header by Claudio Antunes and form the resultant counter break Marcelo Barbosa concluded in goal with a low drive. Gharb could have added another goal on 82 minutes but a shot by Marcelo Barbosa was well saved by Xewkija’s goalie. The same goalkeeper was again called to make a good save on 90 minutes to block another attempt by Marcelo Barbosa so that the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Referee: Mario Apap
by GozoFA | Mar 18, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Kercem A : 0
B. Vrndic, D. Chaves Flores (G. Attard), M. Mifsud, A. Mizzi, J.P. Mizzi, M. Tabone, A. Simoncic (A.M. Attard), J. Grech, N. Mercieca, A. Zammit (C. Grima), D. Cassar.
Victoria H : 5 (C. Mercieca 7’, 45’; E. Da Silva 56’, E. Lattes 81’, G.D. Lombas 86’)
A. Parnis, J. Tabone, J. Bajada, K. Farrugia (S.F. Bajada), D. Sowatey, F. Apap (A. Azzopardi), C. Mercieca, E. Lattes, A. Debrincat (J. Camilleri), E. Da Silva, G. Dwomoh Lombas.
Victoria Hotspurs obtained a convincing win over Kercem Ajax in the last match from match-day 16 of the championship and took advantage of the points dropped by second placed Nadur Youngsters so that they may become mathematically champions in the next two matches. The victory for the Hotspurs arrived with the least possible effort. They opened the score at an early stage of the encounter and doubled the score seconds before half time so that they continued to dominate after the break and expressed their supremacy by scoring more goals.
The Hotspurs were more aggressive in their play and opened the score on 7 minutes through a low shot by Christian Mercieca who was released inside Kercem’s area by Galder Dwomoh Lombas. Kercem’s reaction was sterile and on 17 minutes the Hotspurs went again close to scoring but Andrea Debrincat’s header following a cross by Christian Mercieca ended high. Three minutes later Kercem’s keeper Branko Vrndic was well placed to turn to a corner a shot by Elton Da Silva and on the half hour mark the same Brazilian striker, who is also the top scorer of the category, had an attempt form a free kick that ended high. Five minute later a shot by Galder Dwomoh Lombas following a corner action was blocked with difficulty by the defence and on 36 minutes Emiliano lattes hit badly from a good position and goalie Branko Vrndic saved without difficulty. The same goalkeeper was well placed on 44 minutes to neutralise another attempt by Galder Dwomoh Lombas but one minute later the Hotspurs doubled the score when Elton Da Silva entered Kercem’s area with a personal action but had his lob partially saved by the goalkeeper, the same Da Silva took the ball and form his cross Christian Mercieca headed easily into an open goal.
Kercem continued to suffer Victoria’s play from the early stages of the second period. On 50 minutes goalie Branko Vrindic saved well a shot by Galder Dwomoh Lombas after receiving from Emiliano Lattes and on 56 minutes he Citizens increased their lead with a typical curling shot by Elton Da Silva who entered the area with a personal action. Kercem’s best opportunity to score a consolation goal arrived on the hour mark through an attempt by Andrew Mizzi that was saved to a corner with difficulty by goalie Arian Parnis. On 64 minutes a shot by Elton Da Silva was once again saved by the goalkeeper and two minutes later a shot by Emiliano Lattes form close distance was deflected to a corner by Kercem’s defence. The Hotspurs went very close to add another goal on 69 minutes when substitute John Camilleri entered Kercem’s area, turned around the goalkeeper but his low drive was cleared from the goalmouth by Kercem’s defender Nathaniel Mercieca who also denied Christian Mercieca from a tap-in. In another action by the Hotspurs that arrived on 73 minutes a shot by Galder Dwomoh Lombas ended high but on 81 minutes the same Spanish striker receiving the ball inside Kercem’s area and left the ball to Emiliano Lattes who fired in goal with a low shot. The Hotspurs scored their fifth goal on 86 minutes when Galder Dwomoh Lombas controlled the ball following a cross by John Camilleri and placed easily in goal from close distance.
Referee: Alan Mario Sant
by GozoFA | Mar 18, 2018 | News |
GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Xewkija T : 2 (O. Xuereb 12’, D. Bogdanovic 56’)
M. Grima, T. Grech, M. Gauci, M. Bamba, Jo. Cefai, J. Azzopardi, M. Stojanovic (J. Mifsud), D. Bogdanovic, O. Xuereb, T. Vella (S. Bajada), C.P. Antunes (Js. Cefai).
Oratory Y : 5 (G.B. Mfulwane 45’, R.E. Okpokwu 71’, 75’, 90’; C. Mercieca 86’)
C. Mercieca, R.E. Okpokwu, M. Buttigieg, M. Azzopardi, K. Farrugia, J. Polo Longarela, G.B. Mfulwane, J. Buttigieg, S. Mbacke, A. Zammit, G. Attard (C. Mercieca).
Oratory Youths produced an impressive comeback during the last quarter of the match against Xewkija Tigers and turned a defeat into a 5-2 win so that they are now in a better position to move away from the last place on the table. Play during the first hour was quite interesting as Oratory were more offensive since they needed the win while Xewkija Tigers tried to administer play and were aiming to obtain a positive result in their ambition to regain some confidence which they compromised in their previous matches. Oratory produced more scoring opportunities than their opponents were very erratic during the first part of the encounter so that they were forced to make an extra effort during the final stages to register the win from this crucial match. This was Oratory’s second win in the championship and on the other hand it was the sixth defeat for Xewkija who are going through a very disappointing patch where they not only dropped out early from the challenge for the title but also dropped out of the possibility to challenge for the runner’s up position.
The Youths triedto take command of play in their attempt to surprise their opponents but Xewkija opened the score in their first serious attempt toward Oratory’s goal when Omar Xuereb netted from close distance a low cross form the right flank by Joseph Cefai in the 12th minute. Oratory kept insisting and on 15 minutes Xewkija’s goalie Mark Grima left his position in time to block an effort by Ralph Ebube Okpokwu. Two minutes later Xewkija replied with a shot by Claudio Antunes following a personal action that was neutralised by goalie Courtney Mercieca and on 22 minutes Oratory created another good scoring opportunity but Ralph Ebube Okpokwu headed wide from a good position a cross from the right flank by George Attard. Two minutes later a lob by Xewkija’s Claudio Antunes ended high and on 31 minutes Oratory’s Anthony Zammit had an attempt that was saved by Xewkija’s keeper Mark Grima. Xewkija were again dangerous on 32 minutes but a shot by Thomas Vella ended wide and four minutes later the same Vella had a header following a cross by Daniel Bogdanovic that passed in front of Oratory’s goal but there were no other Xewkija striker to connect. Oratory could have levelled the score on 39 minutes but Joshua Butigieg incredibly concluded wide when he was face to face with the goalkeeper after receiving from Ralph Ebube Okpokwu. The Youths managed to score the equaliser on the stroke of half time when Ralph Ebube Okpokwu released Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane inside Xewkija’s area and the latter concluded in goal with a low drive.
Oratory almost turned the result win their favour after just thirty seconds of play of the second period when Omar Xuereb risked to commit an own goal when he hit badly an attempt to clear the ball from the goalmouth following a low cross by Joshua Buttigeig. Less than a minute later a shot form an angled position by Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane was partially saved by goalie Mark Grima and form the resultant melee George Attard hit badly form a good position and the defence cleared the danger. On 47 minutes Xewkija replied with a good action by Claudio Antunes inside Oratory’s are abut defender Mario Azzopardi cleared the ball before Thomas Vella could hit towards goal form close distance. Two minutes later Oratory’s Ralph Ebube Okpokwu hit badly from an ideal position and the goalkeeper neutralised without difficulty and on 56 minutes Xewkija regained the lead through Daniel Bogdanovic who surprised Oratory’s rearguard directly from a corner kick. Two minutes after the hour mark Oratory’s Gibson Mfulwane had a shot that was well blocked by goalie Mark Grima and in the following action Xewkija operated a counter break through substitute Jake Saliba but the young player saw his effort addressed to the far post that ended wide. Oratory increased their efforts as time passed by and on 66 minutes s free kick by Javier Polo Longarela ended over Xewkija’s goal. The Youths levelled the score on 71 minutes when Seck Mbacke released Ralph Ebube Okpokwu inside Xewkija’s area and the latter placed in goal with a low shot. Two minutes later Oratory’s Joshua Buttigieg once again concluded incredibly wide from an ideal position but on 75 mknutes Oratory took the lead through Ralph Ebube Okpokwu who concluded in goal with alow shot a pass by Gibson Mfulwane. Xewkija were demoralised and continued to suffer Oratory’s play during the final stages of the encounter and on 35 minutes a free kick by Oratory’s Manuel Buttigieg was well saved by goalie Mark Grima. Oratory increased their lead on 86 minutes with a low shot by Charles Mercieca following a low cross by Gibson Mfulwane and on 90 minutes Ralph Ebube Okpokwu sealed the victory by scoring the fifth goal with a first timer, that took a deflection from Xewkija’s defence, following a cross by Charles Mercieca.
Referee: Darryl Agius
