9 April 2024
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd (MD 14) Gozo Stadium
Gharb Rangers FC : 1
Zebbug Rovers FC : 1
9’ (1-0) Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke
28’ (1-1) Daniel Mesa Pineros
Gharb R:
A. Micallef, C. Cutajar, T. Axiak (D. Vella 88), A. Ofulue Chukwuwinke, F. Xuereb, M. Tabone, S. Azzopardi (R. Portelli 58), J. Xerri (R. Meilak 58), D. Galea, O. Atzori (D. Depasquale 83), S. Gauci.
Zebbug R:
L. Camilleri, O. Spiteri (P. Spiteri 87), M. Formosa, K. Mifsud (J. Azzopardi 65), D. Mesa Pineros, H. Paulin B. Camilleri (J. Magro 65), P.P. Camilleri, N.J. Cini, L. Portelli, Ju. Attard.
In the first match from the penultimate Match-Day of the campaign, and of the season for the sides of the lower category, Gharb Rangers and Zebbug Rovers earned a point each from a draw of two goals so that both teams may still avoid the bottom place on the final standings.
This match was a direct clash between two sides, who were on equal points at the bottom of the table together with St Lawrence Spurs before this Match-Day, and therefore they were both aiming for the win. Play was quite balanced throughout the encounter, but it was ultimately decided with two goals scored during the first period.
Timeline:
Gharb came out more determined and managed to take the lead, but Zebbug had a good reaction and as time passed, they became much more adventurous than their opponents, so they scored a deserved equaliser and the first half ended in a draw.
9’ (1-0) Gharb opened the score when Orlando Atzori delivered the ball inside Zebbug’s area from a free kick and Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke headed in a goal from a close distance.
15’ Gharb were again dangerous through a shot by Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke that missed the target.
17’ Zebbug’s first serious attempt towards Gharb’s goal arrived through a low drive by Daniel Mesa Pineros following a personal action but the ball ended wide.
19’ Zebbug could have created more danger when Daniel Mesa Pineros unmarked Harry Paulin within Gharb’s area but the latter hit badly and the ball ended away from goal.
28’ (1-1) Zebbug levelled the score through a tap-in by Daniel Mesa Pineros following an inviting cross from the right flank by Harry Paulin.
34’ Zebbug were again dangerous when Luke Portelli addressed towards the goalmouth, following a free kick by Pierre Paul Camilleri, but Nathan John Cini’s shot from an ideal position ended away from goal.
40’ Gharb replied with an attempt by Carlos Cutajar that was saved well by Zebbug’ ‘s goalie Gabriel Saliba.
45+1’ The Rovers could have turned the result in their favour when Matthion Formosa delivered a good ball from a corner kick but Nathan John Cini’s header ended just wide.
HT (1-1)
Second Half
Play during the second period became more contested as the two sides tried to obtain the win but most of the time the defensive departments were in control of the respective strikers and the actions at goal were quite rare,
1’ Zebbug went again very close to score but a low shot towards the far post by Daniel Mesa Pineros ended wide.
2’ Gharb replied with an effort by Carlos Cutajar that was saved in two attempts by Zebbug’s goalie Gabriel Saliba.
22’ Zebbug were dangerous through a low shot by Nathan John Cini but the ball ended just wide.
35’ The Rovers had a good header by Daniel Mesa Pineros that ended just wide.
40’ Gharb could have scored the decisive goal when Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke ran away towards Zebbug’s area. Still, Zebbug’s goalie Gabriel Saliba left his position in time and denied the striker from concluding towards the goal with an effective intervention at the edge of the area.
43’ Zebbug had the last scoring opportunity of the encounter through an effort by Harry Paulin but the ball ended wide.
FT (GR 1 – ZR 1)
Referee: Joseph Scerri
Asst. Referees: Patrick Falzon, Paul Apap
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