Wining start for Xaghra United

12 September 2024

BOV GFA Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD2) Gozo Stadium

Xaghra United FC : 4

Ghajnsielem FC : 1

19’ (0-1) Joseph Onyeka  Ezigbo

20’ (1-1) Lucas Farrugia

33’ (2-1) Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo

45+1’ (3-1) Johan Alberto Castano

70’ (4-1) Lucas Farrugia

Xaghra U:

L. Xuereb, L. Farrugia, M. Bezzina, J.A. Castsno (C. Camilleri 79), D. Andelovic, M. Mamo (K. Mifsud 65), A. Bozovic, F.J. Xuereb, S.F. Bajada, J. Vella (S. Sultana 75), J.Y. Suzuki Bicudo.

Ghajnsielem:

L. Buttigieg, H. Muscat, Al. Xuereb, D.D. Torres Quinones, M.V. Claudino Ramos (Choco), D. Attard (K. Hili 52), I. Belhadj (D. Hili 46),  H.H. Goncalves Barbosa, J.O. Ezigbo, N.I. Belhadj (W. Hii 52), M.A. Scicluna (P. Vella 86).

Xaghra United left a very positive impression in their first match of the 2024/2025 campaign as they earned three deserved points from a 4-1 win over Ghajnsielem.  This was an important match for Xaghra as they were playing their first match of the season since they were drawn for a rest day on Match-Day 1 of the championship, and because they were facing Ghajnsielem who were coming from a win in the opening match of the championship against champions Nadur Youngsters.

Xaghra were determined to obtain a positive result from this encounter and surprised their opponents with an effective deployment as they neutralised Ghajnsielem’s dangerous strikers and were very aggressive at the midfield so that they enjoyed more possession and created more offensive play.  Xaghra showed character when they conceded Ghajnsielem’s goal and turned the result in their favour in the space of a few minutes so that they gained more confidence and continued to hold control of the match until the final whistle.  In this match, Ghajnsielem was disappointed as they failed to repeat the strong performance of their opening match of the championship so they struggled to earn possession and suffered Xaghra’s play throughout the ninety minutes.

Photo: Anthony Cassar

Timeline:

Xaghra were more motivated during the first period and more of the ball while Ghajsnielem seemed overconfident and found it very difficult to operate good offensive play.  Ghajnsielem took the lead against the run of play but Xaghra were not demoralised so they not only levelled the score but ended the first half with a deserved two-goal lead 

13’ Xaghra had their first series attempt towards Ghajnsielem’s goal through a shot from a free kick by Damir Andelovic but the ball ended just wide.

19’ (0-1) Ghajnsielem opened the score when Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa entered Xaghra’s territory with a personal action and from his pass, Ismael Belhadj delivered a cross towards the goalmouth and Joseph Onyeka Ezigbo headed easily in goal.

20’ (1-1) Xaghra had an immediate reaction and managed to level the score when Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo passed from the left flank and from his low cross, Lucas Farrugia netted with a low drive.

33’ (2-1) Xaghra turned the result in their favour when Ghajnsielem’s goalie cleared badly following a weak shot by Johan Alberto Castano and Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo took the opportunity and concluded in goal with a low shot.

44’ Ghajnsielem went close to recover the deficit but a curling shot from outside the area by Marcus Vinicius Claudino Ramos ended wide.

45+1’ (3-1) Xaghra consolidated their superiority by scoring another goal when Johan Alberto Castano passed through Ghajnsielem’s defence with personal action and concluded in goa with a fine strike that ended out of the reach of Ghajnsielem’s keeper.

HT (3-1)

Second Half

After the resumption, Ghajnsielem’s reaction was sterile as Xaghra seemed more confident and maintained territorial supremacy.  Xaghra continued to be more dangerous and on more than one occasion went close to increase their lead and put the score beyond the reach of their opponents.

3’ Xaghra went very close to adding another goal but a low shot towards the far post by Lucas Farrugia after receiving from Jack Vella was deflected to a corner.

11’ Xaghra’s Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo could have created more danger but his shot from a free kick ended wide.

14’ Ghajnsielem’s goalie Luke Buttigieg was well placed and blocked to a corner with some difficulty a goof shot by Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo after receiving Jack Vella.

25’ (4-1) Xaghra practically put their minds at rest from the win by scoring the fourth goal that ed through a cross-shot from the right flank by Lucas Farrugia, following a throw-in, that surprised Ghajnsielem’s goalie.

FT (XU 4 – GHJ 1)

Referee: Andrea Naudi

Asst. Referees: Andrea Pavis Schiavone, Carmel Vassallo 

Photo: Anthony Cassar