Gharb and Zebbug earn their first point

by | Nov 22, 2024 | 24/25, GFL 2nd Div, Match Report, News

6 November 2024

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 3) Kercem Stadium

Gharb Rangers FC : 2

Zebbug Rovers FC : 2

10’ (0-1) Harry Paulin

45+2’ (1-1) Michael Tabone

65’ (1-2) Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke

81’ (2-2) Julian Camilleri

Gharb R:

A. Micallef, A. Sultana, D. Galea, J. Camilleri, T. Axiak, S. Gauci, B.O. Igbinobaro, M. Tabone (N. Grima 75), F. Xuereb (C. Zammit 75), J. Xerri, K. Attard.

Zebbug R:

F. Portelli, M. Ciangura (C. Debono 77), O. Cremona, B. Camilleri (N.J. Cini 77), A. Abela, H. Paulin, P. Spiteri (J. Azzopardi 82), J. Buttigieg, L. Portelli, O. Saliba (P.P. Camilleri 88), A. Ofulue Chukwuwinke.

Gharb Rangers and Zebbug Rovers earned a point each from a draw of four goals so they both took home the first point of the campaign after conceding two consecutive defeats each in their respective opening matches.

In this match, the two sides showed their respective limitations to be competitive in the second division league as they both seemed fragile in their defensive departments and they both lack experience so they missed potential opportunities to convert their play into goals.

In this match, Zebbug were undoubtedly the better side and created more scoring opportunities than their opponents but they failed to consolidate a deserved one-goal so they ended up conceding Gharb’s equaliser seconds before half-time.  During the second period, the match was much more contested as Gharb gained confidence and could recover the score for a second time.  Gharb went closest to clinch the victory but they missed a good opportunity just before the end of the encounter so the two sides left the field of play with a just result.

Photo: Anthony Cassar

Timeline:

Zebbug dictated matters for most of the first period but they failed to convert their superiority with more than one goal as their strikers were often erratic in their finishing.  Gharb resisted Zebbug’s pressure and recovered the one-goal deficit with a goal scored seconds before the break.

10’ (0-1) Zebbug opened the score when Gharb’s defence failed to clear the ball from their territory and Harry Paulin took advantage and netted with a low shot from outside the area that ended out of the reach of Gharb’s goalkeeper.

22’ Zebbug were again dangerous through a shot from a free kick by Harry Paulin that ended just high.

24’ Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef was well placed and neutralised without difficulty a shot from outside the area by Luke Portelli.

40’ The same goalkeeper kept his side in contention when he saved in two attempts a good shot from inside Gharb’s area by Bernard Camilleri.

42’ Gharb could have capitalised better but Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro failed to conclude from close distance.

44’ Zebbug were again dangerous through a free kick by Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke that was neutralised by goalie Andre Micallef.

45+2’ (1-1) Zebbug were punished for the missed chances as Gharb levelled the score when Francesco Xuereb delivered the ball in front of Zebbug’s goalmouth with a corner kick and the ball arrived to an unmarked Michael Tabone near the far post who fired in the net from close distance.

HT (1-1)

Second Half

Play after the resumption became much more contorted as the two sides increased their efforts in an attempt to take the lead.  Zebbug regained the lead with a goal that arrived midway through the second half but Gharb scored a second equaliser near the final stages so that the outcome of the encounter remained uncertain.

8’ Zebbug’s goalie Francesco Portelli left his position in time to take the ball and denied Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro who was alone inside Zebbug’s area.

9’ Zebbug replied with a shot from a free kick by Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke that was well saved by Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef.

13’ The same goalkeeper was called to make another important intervention following a shot from outside the area by Anthony Abela.

20’ (1-2) The Rovers put their heads in front for the second time in the match when Marco Ciangura passed from the left flank and from his low cross Andrew Ofulue Chukwuwinke concluded in the net from close distance.

36’ (2-2) Gharb levelled the score when Zebbug’s rearguard failed to clear the ball from the goalmouth from a corner action and Julian Camilleri pushed the ball in the net from the resultant melee.

44’ Gharb could have obtained a dramatic equaliser but a good strike by Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro was blocked with some difficulty by Zebbug’s goalie Francesco Portelli.

FT (GR 2 – ZR 2)

Referee: Kankaras Igor

Asst. Referees: Luca Formosa, Patrick Falzon

Photo: Anthony Cassar

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