Qala, Zebbug share the spoils

GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II
Kercem Ajax Stadium

Qala S : 1 (J. Attard 62’)

L. Xuereb, J. Attard, J. Buttigieg, M. Mumford, J. Mifsud (C. Caruana), C. Portelli, D. Portelli, B. Sammut, S. Sillato, J. Rapa (G. Sillato), F. Mumford.

Zebbug R : 1 (G.B. Mfulwane 5’)

B. Saliba, G. Portelli, M. Formosa, F. Cini (J. Muscat), J. Debrincat, O. Calleja, C. Vella, A. Buttigieg, G.B. Mfulwane, P. Camilleri, M. Ciangura.

In the last match of the first round for Qala Saints and Zebbug Rovers the two sides obtained a point each from a draw of two goals which at the end did not satisfy the ambitions of either side.  Qala were aiming for the victory to move away from the bottom of the table while Zebbug needed the three points to retain their second place on the table.  With this result the two sides suffered a setback in their ambition as Qala remain at the bottom of the table while Zebbug lost further ground from the top positions.  The final result of the match between Qala and Zebbug was just as each side prevailed over the opponent for a half each.  The Rovers held supremacy during the first half but Qala had a good reaction after the break and not only recovered a one goal deficit but went also close to win the match.

The Rovers had an excellent start and opened the score in the fifth minute of play through a header by Gibson Botshelo Mfulwane following a cross from the left flank by Aaron Buttigieg.  Qala continued to suffer Zebbug’s play and on 20 minutes the rovers could have added another goal but a strike by Gibson Mfulane was saved to a corner by goalie Lorjean Xuereb.  From the resultant corner action the ball arrived to Patrick Camilleri who failed to conclude from close distance and his weak attempt was deflected to another corner.  Zebbug were again dangerous on 40 minutes when Gibson Mfulwane entered Qala’s territory with a personal action but had his first attempt partially saved by goalie Lorjean Xuereb and form the rebound the same Mfulwane had his shot from an angled position that was stopped by the post.

After the break the Maroons came out in a better shape and on 58 minutes Daniel Portelli had a shot from outside the area that ended away from goal.  Qala levelled the score on 72 minutes when Zebbug’s goalie Baskal Saliba failed to hold a free kick by Michael Mumford and from the rebound Joseph Attard headed easily into an open goal.  Zebbug did not manage to produce a reaction while Qala increased their efforts in an attempt to turn the result in their favour.  On 79 minutes Zebug’s goalie Baskal Saliba saved the point for his side when he turned to a corner a shot by Joseph Buttigieg.  Zebbug’s best opportunity to regain the lead four minutes later when Gibson Mfulwane’s header from a corner kick by Aaron Buttigieg was neutralised by goalie Lorjean Xuereb.

Referee: Ray Tabone