GFA BOV GFL Division II
Sannat Ground
Qala S : 1 (J. Rapa 82’)
Buttigieg, F. Mumford, M. Pace (C. Caruna), J. Rapa, S. Sillato, B. Meilak (G. Sillato), W. Cassar, S. Dimech, L. Meilak (O. Pogukay), K. Kacoli, M. Mamo.
Sannat L: 1 (A. Adesina 52’)
Brignoli, J. Buttigieg, O. Xuereb, F. Xuereb, J. Agius, N. Micallef, M. Muscat, D.U. Monday, A. Camilleri, A. Adesina, S. Baala (K. Bonnici).
In the first match from match-day 2 of the campaign Qala Saints and Sannat Lions shared the spoils in a draw of two goals. The two sides were aiming to obtain the victory for different reasons. Sannat were aiming to register their second consecutive win from the first two matches of the second division league while Qala Saints needed a positive result to make up for a disappointing result in their opening match of the campaign. As the match turned out Sannat seemed heading to another close win as they were taking advantage of an extra player on the field but they failed to make sure of the victory by scoring the second goal so that they ended up conceding an equaliser by Qala eight minutes from the end of regular time. The final result is just as it rewards Qala for their efforts, particularly for their reaction during the last part of the match.
Sannat seemed more motivated during the opening minutes of the first half but Qala were well deployed and neutralised Sannat’s play. As time passed by play took place mainly in the midfield and the two goalkeepers were not called to make any difficult interventions. After the half hour mark Qala created two good scoring opportunities and could have opened the score. Lon 32 minutes a shot by Bulgarian striker Kevin Kacoli ended just wide and two minutes later the same striker passed to Marlon Mamo inside the area but the latter concluded wide from an ideal position.
In the fourth minute of play of the second period Qala operated a good move inside Sannat’s area but Kevin Kacoli had his attempt cleared in time to a corner by defender Josiah Buttigieg. Sannat opened the score on 52 minutes when Antoine Camilleri released Ajibade Adesina inside Qala’s area and the latter concluded in goal with a low shot. Qala’s reaction was sterile and they also suffered a setback on 69 minutes when they were reduced to ten players as Marlon Mamo was sent off for an early shower following a second bookable offence. Sannat almost took an immediate advantage as less than a minute later Mark Muscat crossed from the right flank but Antoine Camilleri incredibly lifted over the crossbar from close distance. The same Muscat was again dangerous on 73 minutes when he entered Qala’s area with a personal action but had his low drive deflected to a corner with the goal unattended. Qala went close to level the score on 76 minutes but substitute Oleg Pogukay had his attempt that was well saved by goalie Angelo Brignoli. Three minutes later Sannat’s Fabian Xuereb had a good header following a corner kick by Josiah Buttigieg that hit the side of the net but on 82 minutes the Saints levelled the score through a fine header by John Rapa following a free kick from long distance by Brian Meilak. Play became much more exciting during the final stages as the two sides tried to obtain the victory. Sannat had the best opportunity to score the decisive goal but on 88 minutes Sunday Baala incredibly hesitated to conclude form close distance following a melee in front of Qala’s goal so the defenders managed to clear the ball from the danger area.
Referee: Andrea Sciriha
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