Zebbug earn qualification to the semi final of the Challenge Cup with a large win

3 September 2024

GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (Q/F) Gozo Stadium

Gharb Rangers FC : 0

Zebbug Rovers FC: 5

44’ (0-1) Nathan John Cini

56’ (0-2) Harry Paulin

69’ (0-3) penalty Elton Alexandre Da Silva

81’ (0-4) Marco Ciangura

82’ (0-5) Elton Alexandre Das Silva

Gharb R:

A. Micallef, A. Sultana, D. Galea, N. De Battista (O.O. Pogukay 56), J. Camilleri, T. Axiak, S. Gauci, J.P. Portelli (F. Xuereb 71), M. Tabone, E. Vella (J. Xerri 71), R. Mysteqja.

Zebbug R:

G. Saliba, P. Spiteri (D. Zahra 87), M. Formosa, B. Camilleri (O. Saliba 73), H. Paulin, O. Cremona (G. Borg 87), L. Galea (M. Ciangura 53), N.J. Cini, L. Portelli, E.A. Da Silva, J. Buttigieg.

Zebbug Rovers, who are aiming to be among the protagonists in the competitions for the lower category, had a positive start in the 2024/2025 season as they registered a 5-0 win over Gharb Rangers.  With this result, the Rovers earned a place in the semi-final of the GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup where they will be meeting Munxar Falcons.

Zebbug were the better side throughout the encounter but they had to wait until the final moments of the first half took put their heads in front as Gharb defended well and Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef denied Zebbug’s strikers from scoring with a long series of important interventions.

Timeline:

Zebbug came out more determined and were more adventurous in their play than their opponents  Gharb were forced to defend for most of the time and they rarely threatened Zebbug’s rearguard.  Zebbug’s efforts were rewarded near the end of the first half and managed to take the break with a deserved one-goal lead.

9’ The Rovers could have taken an early lead but a shot by Elton Da Silva from an ideal position ended high.

27’ Zebbug’s Elton Da Silva entered Gharb’s territory with a personal action but his final shot was weak and goalie Andre Micallef saved without difficulty.

44’ (0-1) The Rovers opened the score when Paul Spiteri passed to Nathan John Cini on the edge of Gharb’s area and the latter surprised the goalkeeper with a fine shot.

HT (0-1)

Second Half

Zebbug continued to produce offensive play while Gharb continued to find it very difficult to produce a reaction and as time passed by the Rovers managed to score four more goals to obtain the win with a large margin.

2’ Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef was called to make a good save to turn to a corner a low shot from outside the area by Bernard Camilleri.

10’ The same goalkeeper denied Zebbug from scoring another goal when he blocked with some difficulty a low shot from an angled position by Elton Da Silva.

11’ Zebbug doubled their lead when Gharb’s defence cleared badly and the ball arrived to Harry Paulin who fired the ball in the net from a good position.

15’ The same Harry Paulin could have scored another goal but his strike from outside the area ended just wide.

23’ (0-3) penalty Zebbug were awarded a penalty when Paul Spiteri entered Gharb’s area from the right flank but was floored by goalie Andre Micallef and Elton Alexandre Da Silva converted his shot from the penalty spot.

28’ Zebbug were again dangerous through a fine shot by Elton Da Silva but goalie Andre Micallef was well placed and blocked the danger.

33’ Zebbug kept insisting and went close to add another goal but an effort by substitute Marco Ciangura was well saved by Gharb’s keeper.

35’ The same goalkeeper Andre Micallef denied Zebbug from scoring when he blocked a corner low shot from an angled position by Zebbug’s Oliver Cremona.

36’ (0-4) Zebbug managed to increase their lead with a goal that arrived through a low shot from outside the area by Marco Ciangura that surprised Gharb’s goalie.

37’ (0-5) Gharb were demoralised and conceded another goal that arrived through a close-ranged shot by Elton Alexandre Da Silva.

FT (GR 0 – ZR 5)

Referee: Raiden Psaila

Asst. Referees: Keiran Mallia, Wayne Spiteri