9 December 2023
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 4) Kercem Stadium
Gharb Rangers FC: 1
Zebbug Rovers FC: 1
36’ (0-1) Joston Azzopardi
66’ (1-1) Steve Gauci
Gharb R:
A. Micallef, C. Cutajar, A. Ofulue Chukwuwinke, F. Xuereb (S. Azzopardi 79), M. Tabone, S. Sillato, D. Galea, M. Grech (R Portelli 79), O. Atzori, S. Gauci (J. Xerri 88), R. Meilak.
Zebbug R:
L. Camilleri, P. Spiteri, O. Saliba, G. Grech, M.A. Moreno Ampudia, P.P. Camilleri, H. Paulin, R. Saliba L. Portelli, S. Farrugia (N.J. Cini 62), J. Azzopardi (K. Mifsud 82).
Zebbug Rovers missed an opportunity to keep in touch with the top positions as they were held to a draw of two goals by Gharb Rangers. This was Gharb’s first positive result in the campaign from four matches and with this result, the Rangers moved away from the bottom of the table.
The outcome of this encounter was a just result as it rewards the efforts of the two sides. Zebbug were the better side during the first period but they did not capitalise on some good chances to open a comfortable lead. Gharb produced a good reaction after the break and shared play with Zebbug so that the two sides could have clinched the win during the final stages of the match.
Timeline:
Zebbug tried to take advantage of the wind blowing in their favour and produced some pressure on Gharb’s defence but the latter were well organised and kept their area clear from danger during the first part of the encounter. However, Zebbug’s efforts were rewarded and they took the break in the lead.
24’ Zebbug’s first opportunity to open the score arrived when Miguel Angel Moreno Ampudia entered Gharb’s area with a personal action but his shot from a close distance was blocked to a corner by goalie Andre Micallef.
31’ The Rovers could have created more danger but a shot from an angle position by Owen Saliba got a deflection and the ball ended in a corner.
36’ (0-1) Zebbug managed to take the lead when Joston Azzopardi concluded into an open gal with a lob from long distance when Gharb’s goalie was out of his position.
37’ Zebbug’s Miguel Angel Moreno Ampudia was again dangerous through a shot from an angled position that ended on the side of the net.
38’ Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef was well placed and saved a lob from close distance by Miguel Angel Moreno Ampudia.
HT (0-1)
Second Half
After the resumption, the match became much more contested as Zebbug tried to increase their lead while Gharb was determined to recover the score so that the outcome of the encounter remained uncertain as the win could have gone either way.
12’ Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef kept his side in contention with an important intervention when he saved a low shot by Miguel Angel Moreno Ampudia.
13’ (post) Gharb went very close to level the score but an effort from a close distance by Carlos Cutajar following a personal action was stopped by the post.
19’ Zebbug’s goalie Leonard Camilleri was well placed and turned to a corner a free kick from long distance by Gharfb’s Michael Tabone.
21’ (1-1) Gharb levelled the score through a fine header by Steve Gauci following a corner kick by Orlando Atzori.
27’ Zebbug could have regained the lead but they missed an open scoring opportunity when Miguel Angel Moreno Ampudia entered Gharb’s area but his low drive ended just wide.
39’ Gharb had their best opportunity to turn the result in their favour when Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke headed towards Orlando Atzori but the latter concluded wide from close distance.
40’ Zebbug almost punished their opponents for the missed chance but a shot from close distance by Miguel Angel Moreno Ampudia was well saved to a corner by goalie Andre Micallef.
44’ Zebbug went again to score the decisive goal but a shot by Owen Saliba was well saved by Gharb’s keeper Andre Micallef.
45’ Zebbug’s goalie Leonard Camilleri saved the point for his side with a good save following a shot directly from a free kick by David Galea.
FT (GR 1 – ZR 1)
Referee: Luca Formosa
Assistant Referees: Mark Azzopardi, Kankaras Igor.
0 Comments