Zebbug earn a qualification with a late goal

19 March 2024
GFA 2nd Division KO (Q/final) Gozo Stadium

Gharb Rangers FC : 0
Zebbug Rovers FC : 1

81’ (0-1) Daniel Mesa Pineros

Gharb R:
A. Micallef, C. Cutajar, T. Axiak, A. Ofulue Chukwuwinke, F. Xuereb (M. Tabone 89), S.
Sillato, D. Galea, O. Atzori, D. Depasquale (J. Xerri 46), S. Gauci, R. Meilak.

Zebbug R:
L. Camilleri, P. Spiteri, M. Formosa, D. Mesa Pineros, H. Paulin, P.P. Camilleri, C. Gafa, N.J.
Cini, L. Portelli, Ju. Attard, J. Azzopardi O. Mercieca 88).

In the first match from the quarter-final stage of the 2nd Division Knock Out competition, Zebbug
Rovers obtained a 1-0 win over Gharb Rangers and qualified for the semi-final stage where
they will face Munxar Falcons.

The match between the two sides who are at the low part of the second division table was
well contested in the midfield but with very few scoring opportunities on the two goals. The
match however was decided with a goal that arrived few minutes away from the end of
regular time so that Gharb did not have enough time to recover.

Photo: Anthony Cassar

Timeline:
Throughout the first period, the two sides tried to produce offensive play but the strikers were
well controlled by the respective defensive departments so that both sides failed to create
potential scoring opportunities.
HT (0-0)

Second Half

Play after the break continued to take place mainly in the midfield but as time passed by the
two sides became more adventurous and in the end the Rovers capitalised on scoring
opportunity to clinch the qualification.
27’ Zebbug had a good shot through Joston Azzopardi but Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef was
at the right place and saved the danger to a corner.
34’ Gharb replied with an attempt from a free kick by Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwunke but the
the ball ended over the crossbar.
36’ (0-1) Zebbug scored the goal that decided the issue when a strike by Nathan John Cini
was partially saved by Gharb’s goalie and Daniel Mesa Pineros netted from the rebound.

FT (GR 0 – ZR 1)
Referee: Luca Formosa
Asst. Referees: Kankaras igor, Paula Buttigieg

Photo: Anthony Cassar