Sannat confirm good moment of form and earn qualification

23 October 2021

BOV GFA Cup Prel Rd Kercem Arkafort Stadium

Sannat Lions FC : 3

Zebbug Rovers FC : 1

37’ (1-0) Fabian John Xuereb

52’ (2-0) Nicholas Grima

54’ (3-0) Henry Fabian Solis

57’ (3-1) penalty Eman Bugeja

Sannat L:

L. Xuereb, A. Sutana, L.B. Da Silva, N. Grima (M. Azzopardi), H.F. Solis, D. Borg (M. Mifsud), L. Silva Gomes (M. Mamo), H. Muscat, N. Biculjevic,  A. Azzopardi , F.J. Xuereb.

Zebbug R:

Om. Xuereb, M. Formosa, E. Bugeja, C. Gauci, A. Touarha (M. Camilleri Psaila), M. Stojanovic, D. Mesa Pineros, M. Camilleri (C. Farrugia), N.J. Cini (E. Gauci), J. Bonnici, M. Grech (P. Spiteri).

In the second match from the preliminary round of the BOV GFA Cup, Sannat Lions obtained qualification to the Quarter final stage with a 3-1 win over second division side Zebbug Rovers.  The two sides were coming from important wins in their matches from the respective league and were aiming to obtain the qualification to be among the last eight teams of the second most important competition in Gozitan football.

Sannat’s win was deserved as they produced the better play for most of the encounter.  Sannat took the lead just before the end of the first half and added two more goals after the break so that they administered their lead with authority until the end of the encounter.  With this win Sannat become favourites to reach the semi-final as they will be facing second division side  Qala Saints in the match of the quarter final stage.

Timeline:

During the opening minutes play was rather balanced as the two teams struggled to take command of play.  However, Sannat increased their momentum as time passed by and ended up in control of the match during the second part of the first period.

14’ Sannat created the first scoring opportunity form a free kick by Lucas Silva Gomes but the header by Nebojsa Biculjevic was well saved by goalie Omar Xuereb.

22’ Zebbug replied with a shot by Manuel Camilleri following a free kick by Eman Bugeja that was neutralised by Sannat’s keeper Lorjean Xuereb.

23’ In another good action by Sannat, an attempt form an angled position by Henry Silva Gomes was saved well by goalie Omar Xuereb.

25’ Sannat had another opportunity to open the score when Henry Fabian Solis released Lucas Silva Gomes but the latter conclude wide from an ideal position.

35’ Another shot by Sannat’s Henry Fabian Solis ended away from goal.

37’ (1-0) Sannat opened the score from an action that originated between Nichols Grima and Henry Fabian Solis so that the ball arrived to Fabian Xuereb who placed in goal with a low shot with the ball hitting the post before crossing the line.

41’ Zebbug’s goalie was again called to make a good save to deny Sannat’s Lucas Silva Gomes from adding another goal

HT (1-0)

For the second period Zebbug tried to produce a reaction but Sannat scored two goals during the early stages of the second period, in the space of two minutes so that they made sure of the win.

12sec. Zebbug could have levelled the score but a strike form outside the area by Daniel Mesa Pineros ended just over the crossbar. 

7’ (2-0) Sannat doubled the score through a close ranged shot by Nicholas Grima following a cross by Henry Fabian Solis.

9’ (3-0) Sannat increased their lead with a third goal that arrived through a direct free kick converted by Henry Fabian Solis that surprised the goalkeeper.

12’ (3-1) penalty The Rovers reduced the deficit when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Aaron Azzopardi on Henry Fabian Mesa, and Eman Bugeja netted with his shot form the spot kick.

13’ Less than a minute later Zebbug could have re-opened the issue but a lob from long distance by Eman Bugeja was saved by Sannat’s keeper Lorjean Xuereb.

FT (SL 3 – ZR 1)

Referee: Ezekiel Barbara