19 March 2025
GFA Knock Out 2nd Division (S/Final 1) Gozo Stadium
Munxar Falcons FC: 1
Sannat Lions FC : 2
8’ (1-0) Daniel Azzopardi
54’ (1-1) Aud-Gustine James Obaje
82’ (1-2) Aud-Gustine James Obaje
90+2’ (red card) Christian Dingli (SL)
Munxar F:
J. Micallef, K. Borg, D. Azzopardi, P. Parnis (K. Mifsud 84), K. Farrugia, R. C. Bohui, N. Mifsud, N. Mercieca, S. Muscat, K. Vella (J. Bajada 59), K. Mizzi (N. Said 67).
Sannat L:
K. Attard, S. Sillato (P. Said 46), G. Portelli, O.J. Obaje, E. Gauci, W. Debono (C. Buttigieg 46), E. Bennici (C. Dingli 80), A. Azzopardi, G. Debrincat (K. Xuereb 84), C. Gauci, D. Bellotti (T. Grech 36).
In the first semi-final of the Second Division Knock-Out competition, Sannat Lions staged a comeback after conceding an early goal, turning the match around with two second-half goals to secure their place in the final of the second most prestigious competition in the category. With this victory, Sannat continued their strong form, having recently gained important points in the league to become favourites to finish second, which would also earn them a spot in the promotion play-off.
This was a hard-fought encounter, with Munxar looking the more adventurous side, keeping Sannat’s defence under pressure for long periods. However, Munxar failed to capitalise on their dominance, allowing their opponents to stay in the game. Sannat’s victory came through a collective effort as they managed to withstand difficult moments during the match and take advantage of key opportunities. The standout player was Sannat’s striker, Aud-Gustine James Obaje, who scored both decisive goals.
Timeline:
Munxar started aggressively, taking control of the match and growing in confidence after taking the lead. They managed the game well, while Sannat struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Sannat also looked disorganized in the attack, with Munxar’s goalkeeper rarely tested.
8’ (1-0) Munxar opened the scoring when Daniel Azzopardi connected with a Neil Mifsud corner and headed the ball into the net.
21’ Munxar missed a good chance as Nathaniel Mercieca failed to connect with a well-delivered cross from Neil Mifsud.
25’ Another dangerous moment for Munxar, as Nathaniel Mercieca found Neil Mifsud in the box, but his attempted shot towards the far post was deflected for a corner.
42’ Munxar’s Nathaniel Mercieca tried a long-range shot, but it missed the target.
42’ Sannat’s immediate response saw Eric Gauci attempt a lob from a distance, but Munxar’s goalkeeper, Joel Micallef, saved comfortably.
44’ Sannat came close to equalising, but Aaron Azzopardi’s direct free kick went over the bar.
45+3’ Another opportunity for Sannat, as Gabriel Debrincat’s header from an Aaron Azzopardi free kick also went over the bar.
HT (1-0)
Second Half:
Sannat came out searching for an equaliser, but after achieving their objective, they again had to withstand Munxar’s attacking play. However, Munxar were wasteful in front of goal, and Sannat punished them by scoring the decisive goal late in the match.
5’ Munxar’s goalkeeper Joel Micallef was alert, making a comfortable save from an Aaron Azzopardi free kick.
9’ (1-1) Sannat levelled the score, as substitute Paul Said made a run down the left and delivered a cross for Aud-Gustine James Obaje, who finished clinically.
16’ Munxar nearly regained the lead, but Chris Ronaldo Bohui failed to hit the target from close range after a Nathaniel Mercieca cross.
21’ Another chance for Munxar, as Chris Ronaldo Bohui set up Samwel Muscat, whose first-time shot went over the crossbar.
26’ Sannat’s goalkeeper, Kyle Attard reacted quickly, coming out to block a shot from Samwel Muscat, who had been set up by Nathaniel Mercieca.
37’ (1-2). Sannat completed their comeback, winning a corner from a counterattack, and from Aaron Azzopardi’s delivery, Aud-Gustine James Obaje headed the ball into the net.
45+2’ (Red Card) – Sannat were reduced to 10 men, as substitute Christian Dingli was sent off for a foul in midfield.
45+3’ Munxar’s goalkeeper Joel Micallef rushed out in time to clear the ball before Paul Said could finish from a dangerous position.
FT (MF 1 – SL 2)
Referee: Joseph Scerri
Asst. Referees: Paul Apap, Patrick Falzon
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