Gharb, Munxar share four goals in first match

16 October 2022

GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II (MD 1) Kercem Arkafort Stadium

Gharb Rangers FC: 2

Munxar Falcons FC: 2

14’ (1-0) Christian Cardona

28’ (1-1) Henry Fabian Solis

73’ (1-2) Kenneth Mizzi

82’ (2-2) penalty Joao Pablo Soares De Souza

Gharb R:

J.P. Cassar, S. Farrugia, M. Ciangura, C. Cutajar, C. Cardona, G. Debrincat, J. Buttigieg (A. Cini), J. Agius, O. Calleja, N. Attard, J.P. Soares De Souza.

Munxar F:

D. Galea, C. Gafa, A. Buttigieg, R. Meilak, M. Debrincat (R. Grima), S. Farrugia (G. Sillato), H.F. Solis, M. Zerafa, B. Said, S. Muscat, K. Mizzi.

Gharb Rangers and Munxar Falcons had a positive start in the second division campaign as they earned a point each from a draw of four goals.  The two teams seemed determined to obtain a win from this match and as a result, the match turned out to be well contested.  The outcome of this encounter was a just result as both sides were rewarded for their efforts.

For this match, both Gharb and Munxar were motivated to make up for disappointing performances in the matches from the 2nd division Challenge Cup and both showed improvement from their previous matches this season.  The point obtained by the two teams will certainly boost the morale of the respective players in an attempt to be among the competitive sides of the campaign and to keep away as much as possible from the lower places on the table.

Timeline

Munxar held territorial supremacy during most of the first half but Gharb were worthy challengers and remained in contention to obtain a positive result.

11’ Gharb’s goalie John Paul Cassar was well placed and neutralised a header by Henry Fabian Solis following a cross from the left flank by Aron Buttigieg.

13’ The same goalkeeper made a good save near the post on his right-hand side to block a shot from outside the area by Kenneth Mizzi.

14’ (1-0) Gharb surprised their opponents and opened the score when Christian Cardona received the ball inside Munxar’s area at an unmarked position and concluded easily in goal from close distance.

15’ Munxar’s goalie Daniel Galea saved without difficulty a strike from a long distance by Christian Cardona.

 28’ (1-1) Munxar levelled the score when Brandon Said released Henry Fabian Solis, the latter entered Gharb’s area and placed in goal with a low shot.

30’ Munxar were again dangerous but a strike by Brandon Said from outside the area ended wide.

41’ Gharb’s goalie left his position in time to clear the ball before Brandon Said could hit towards an open goal.

42’ The same goalkeeper was called to make two difficult interventions when he saved a corner header from close distance by Brandon Said, following a cross by Michael Zerafa.  From the same corner action, Gharb’s defence failed to clear the danger from the goalmouth and from the resultant melee the goalkeeper stopped with difficulty the effort from close distance by Kenneth Mizzi. 

HT (1-1)

Second Half

Munxar tried to maintain their superiority but Gharb continued to defend well and operated some dangerous breaks.  The two sides scored a goal each during the second period so that the outcome of the encounter remained uncertain until the final whistle.

3’ Gharb could have created more danger but a shot by Joao Pablo Soares De Souza, following a corner action, was weak and goalie Daniel Galea neutralised it without difficulty.

16’ Munxar replied with a header from a good position following a free kick from a long distance by Chris Gafa that ended wide.

18’ A shot from outside the area by Munxar’s Stefan Farrugia ended high.

28’ (1-2) Munxar took the lead when Henry Fabian Solis delivered a low cross from the left flank and Kenneth Mizzi placed in goal from close distance.

36’ (2-2) penalty Gharb was awarded a penalty for a challenge by Munxar’s defender Michael Zerafa on Carlos Cutajar, who seemed in a dubious offside position, and Joao Pablo Soares De Souza converted from the spot kick to level the score for his side.

44’ Gharb almost surprised their opponents but a strike by Gabriel Debrincat following a personal action ended wide.

45+4’ Munxar had their last opportunity to clinch the win but a shot from outside the area by Aron Buttigieg ended just over the crossbar.

FT (GR 2 – MF 2)

Referee: Raiden Psaila