Zebbug pull with them two teams at the bottom place

23 March 2024

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 13) Kercem Stadium

Zebbug Rovers FC: 2

Munxar Falcons FC: 2

41’ (0-1) Vitor Gabriel Soarez Souza

48’ (1-1) Harry Paulin

50’ (1-2) Neil Mifsud

60’ (2-2) Harry Paulin

Zebbug R:

G. Saliba, P. Spiteri, O. Saliba, M. Formosa, G. Grech (B. Camilleri 78), K. Mifsud, H. Paulin, E.R. Okpokwu,  P.P. Camilleri, N.J. Cini (O. Mercieca 90+3), L. Portelli.

Munxar F:

J. Micallef, K. Borg, D. Bajada (L. Meilak 55), P. Parnis, E. Bugeja, K. Farrugia, I. Belhadj (S. Muscat 55), N. Mifsud (K. Mizzi 61), N. Mercieca, V.G. Soarez Souza, E. Galea.

Zebbug Rovers came twice from behind to recover the score in their match against Munxar Falcons so that they earned important points which enabled them to reach the other two teams above them at the bottom of the table.  This was the second consecutive positive result for Zebbug but on the other hand, it was a disappointing result for Munxar who needed a win to keep challenging for the runners-up position.

The final score of this encounter was just as the two sides were determined to obtain the win.  Munxar seemed surprised by Zebbug’s offensive play during the first period and was also unable to defend the score on the two occasions where they were in the lead.  Munxar may have increased their efforts during the final stages of the encounter but their efforts were sterile and did not manage to create danger towards Zebbug’s goal as the Rovers managed to be well organised in their defence and neutralised the efforts of their opponents.

Photo: Anthony Cassar

Timeline:

Play during the first half was quite balanced with some potential scoring opportunities at the two ends of the field but Munxar managed to take the break in the lead as they broke the deadlock with a goal that arrived a few minutes away from halftime.

25’ Zebbug operated a good action through a personal action by Ebube Ralph Okpokwu but the striker saw his shot that was blocked by the defence.

30’ Munxar replied with an initiative by Vitor Gabriel Soarez Sopuzawho entered the area from the right flank but his low shot was blocked to a corner by goalie Gabriel Saliba.

33’ Zebbug’s Ebube Ralph Okpokwu had a good attempt from a good position but the ball ended away from goal.

36’ Munxar were again dangerous through an effort by Ishmael Belhadj but the ball ended high.

37’ Munxar’s Nathaniel Mercieca had an attempt from a free kick that got a deflection by the wall and the ball ended in a corner.

39’ Munxar kept insisting and went again close to scoring through a shot by Neil Mifsud but the ball ended wide.

41’ (0-1) Munxar opened the score through Vitor Gabriel Soarez Souza who passed through Zebbug’s defence and placed in goal with a low shot.

HT (0-1)

Second Half

Play during the second period continued to be well contested with more goals scored by the two sides so that the outcome of the encounter remained uncertain.

3’ (1-1) Zebbug levelled the core through a close-ranged shot by Harry Paulin following a cross by Nathan John Cini.

4’ (post) Munxar had an immediate reaction and was unlucky when a low shot by Vitor Gabriel Soarez Souza was stopped by the post.

5’ (1-2) Munxar regained the lead through  Neil Mifsud who entered the area and netted with a low drive as the goalkeeper left his position in an attempt to block the danger.

15’ (2-2) Zebbug were not demoralised and levelled the score for the second time when Harry Paulin surprised Munxar’s defence, ran towards the area and lobbed into an open goal as the goalkeeper left his position in an attempt to deny the young striker from concluding.

34’ Munxar could have created more danger but a low shot by Nathaniel Mercieca was neutralised by goalie Gabriel Saliba.

FT (ZR 2 – MF 2)

Referee: Lucas Grech

Assistant Referees: Paula Buttigieg, Sillah Alhasana

Photo: Anthony Cassar