26 March 2025

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 15) Kercem Stadium

Sannat End League Campaign with Narrow Victory

Gharb Rangers FC: 1

Sannat Lions FC: 2

34’ (penalty missed – saved) Jean Gustavo Da Silva (SL)

34’ (0-1) Jean Gustavo Da Silva

59’ (0-2) Aaron Azzopardi

66’ (1-2) penalty Baldwin Osayi Ogbinobaro

71’ (red card) Anthony Sultana (GR)

Gharb R:

A. Micallef, A. Sultana, M. Gauci, T. Axiak, S. Gauci, B.O. Igbinobaro, F. Xuereb (E. Vella 78), M. Xuereb, C. Zammit (K. Theuma 85), N.J. Camilleri (D. Apap 85), A. Camenzuli (J. Xerri 78).

Sannat L:

K. Attard, K. Xuereb, J.G. Da Silva, M. Vella (M. Farrugia 73), T. Agius (H. Bonnici 46), W. Debono, G. Xerri, T. Grech, K. Calleja, E. Bennici (A. Azzopardi 56), D. Bellotti.

Sannat Lions continued their positive form by securing another victory, defeating Gharb Rangers 2-1 in the final league match for both teams.

This game had no impact on the league standings, as Sannat had already secured second place, while Gharb had long lost the chance to avoid finishing at the bottom. As expected, Sannat dominated possession, though many of their regular starters were rested to give playing time to younger squad members. However, Gharb defended well and stayed competitive until the final whistle, nearly salvaging a result.

With this win, Sannat gained further confidence for their final two matches of the season, the Second Division Knock-Out final and, more importantly, the promotion Play-Off against the second-bottom team from the First Division.

Photo; Anthony Cassar

Timeline:

Sannat started strongly, looking for an early goal, but Gharb’s defensive discipline made it difficult for them to create clear scoring chances. They eventually broke the deadlock with a penalty goal and held onto their lead until halftime.

10’ Sannat had a promising attack when Mikhail Vella advanced down the right, but his shot went wide.

18’ Another chance for Sannat as Keiran Calleja found space in a good position but failed to hit the target.

34’ (0-1) penalty Sannat were awarded a penalty for a foul on Keiran Calleja. Jean Gustavo Da Silva took the spot-kick, and although goalkeeper Etienne Bajada managed a partial save, Da Silva reacted quickly to score from the rebound.

HT (0-1)

Second Half:

Sannat maintained control in the second half and managed to double their lead before conceding a penalty, after which they successfully managed their advantage until the final whistle.

14’ (0-2). Sannat extended their lead when substitute Aaron Azzopardi unleashed a long-range shot, surprising goalkeeper Etienne Bajada.

21’ (1-2) penalty  Gharb were awarded a penalty for a handball by Dylan Bellotti. Baldwin Osayi Ogbonobaro converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

22’  Sannat responded with a shot from Haydn Bonnici, but the ball went wide.

24’  Sannat nearly created another dangerous opportunity, but Jean Gustavo Da Silva’s header from a corner went over the bar.

25’  Another chance for Sannat, as Keiran Calleja tried his luck, but his shot missed the target.

26’ (red card), Gharb were reduced to 10 men after Anthony Sultana received a second yellow card and was sent off.

FT (GR 1 – SL 2)

Referee: Patrick Falzon 

Asst. Referees: Paul Apap, Anthony Paul Vella

Photo; Anthony Cassar