30 August 2025
GFA Super Cup Final Gozo Stadium
Qala Saints FC: 2
Nadur Youngsters FC: 1
After Extra Time
31’ (1-0) Andre Gabriel Castro Martins
75’ (1-1) Diego Fernando Rodriguez Angulo
96’ (2-1) Andre Gabriel Castro Martins
Qala S:
Photo: Anthony Cassar
O. Attard, Jsph. Buttigieg, J.A. Ferreira Dos Santos, L.B. Da Silva, M. Buttigieg, A.G. Castro Martins, J. Pace, E. Buttigieg, J. Parnis, G. Cardona, G. Martins Leite Carrara.
Nadur Y:
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Z. Vella, P.P. Camilleri (C. Debono 115), M. Mercieca, M. Scarpari, D.F. Rodriguez Angulo, J. Xerri (B. Said 67), O.P. Bugeja, N. Mifsud, D. Vella, L.N. Gutierrez, J.P. Oliveira Santos (S. Xuereb 89).
The football season 2025/2026 started with the final of the 35th edition of the GFA Super Cup, which was contested by the reigning champions Qala Saints and the BOV GFA Cup winners last season, Nadur Youngsters. Qala Saints, who were the holders of this competition, won the first trophy of the new season by defeating Nadur Youngsters with the odd goal from three after extra time. This was the third time that Qala won this honour.
For this match, the two teams were led by their respective new coaches. Qala had Gothard Conti, who was making a return to Gozitan football after some seasons. Conti has long experience in Gozitan football,where he won several honours with different teams and therefore Qala are expected to retain their status as one of the main challengers for the honours in local football. On the other hand, Nadur, who had several changes from the squad that was very successful during the past seasons, are led by Pablo Doffo as a coach. This is Doffo’s first experience in Gozitan football, and it appears that his main target is to lead his team through a transition so that they can become very competitive in the near future. Both Qala and Nadur gave their first appearances to several new players who were signed during the summer.
Qala started the match as hot favourites to win this main honour and dominated play during the opening stages, but Nadur were well deployed and as time passed by they shared play and created the better scoring opportunities. Nadur showed character after conceding Qala’s opening goal and managed to recover the deficit to take the match into extra time. However, during extra time,e Qala made use of their experience as they capitalised on their scoring opportunity and defended their lead until the final whistle.
After the match, the Vice President of the Gozo Football Association, Michealangelo Grech, together with the General Secretary of the association, Tony Grech, presented the medals and the GFA Cup Super Cup to Qala Saints among the celebrations of the players, staff and supporters.
Timeline:
Photo: Anthony Cassar
First Half
Qala came out more aggressively and immediately tried to put pressure on Nadur’s defence from the opening minutes. Nadur, however, were alert at the back and gradually started sharing possession, making the match more interesting. Qala nevertheless managed to take a one-goal lead into half-time when they capitalised on a throw-in after half an hour of play.
6’ Qala created the first serious chance when Castro Martins had a close-range effort blocked on the ground by Nadur goalkeeper Zak Vella.
14’ Another attempt for Qala came through Lucas Barretto Da Silva, whose long-range shot finished just wide.
18’ Nadur replied with a counterattack as Rodriguez Angulo advanced to the edge of the area, but his low shot was neutralised by goalkeeper Owen Attard.
22’ Attard was called into action again, blocking a direct free-kick from Oliveira Santos.
25’ Nadur went close when Owen Peter Bugeja’s shot from outside the box was tipped over for a corner by Attard.
31’ (1-0) Qala broke the deadlock: from a throw-in by Martins Leite, Ferreira Da Silva flicked a header across goal, and Andre Gabriel Castro Martins tapped in from close range.
33’ Nadur responded with a long-range shot by Neil Mifsud that went wide.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
HT (1-0)
Second Half
Qala tried to control the match in the early stages after the restart, but Nadur increased their efforts and eventually grabbed the equaliser to keep the game wide open. It was no surprise that the encounter had to go into extra time.
3’ Nadur goalkeeper Zak Vella was alert to block a good shot from Castro Martins, denying Qala the chance to double their lead.
14’ Nadur threatened through a scramble inside the area that ended with Joseph Xerri’s shot hitting the side netting.
21’ Qala were dangerous again as Gabriel Cardona’s low strike was deflected for a corner by the defence.
22’ Another effort for Qala followed when Martin Buttigieg fired wide from distance.
30’ (1-1) Nadur equalised: after a personal initiative, Pierre Paul Camilleri fired a shot from the edge of the area against the upright, and from the rebound, Diego Fernando Rodriguez Angulo collected the ball, evaded a defender, and finished with a fine shot into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Attard no chance.
90mins. (QS 1- NY 1)
Extra Time
The game became livelier in the first half of extra time as both teams looked for the winner. Qala were more clinical and managed to restore their lead, which they then protected until the final whistle.
First Half of Extra Time
4’ Nadur could have gone in front when substitute Sylvan Xuereb delivered a cross that was met by Matthias Mercieca’s header, but goalkeeper Owen Attard saved well.
6’ (2-1) Qala regained the advantage: Leite Carrara broke down the left and delivered a low cross, which Andre Gabriel Castro Martins finished from close range.
8’ Qala almost extended their lead when Gabriel Cardona’s strike was stopped by Zak Vella.
105 mins. (2-1)
Second Half of Extra Time
10’ Qala had another chance to seal the match, but a free-kick by Leite Carrara went over.
15’ Nadur missed their best opportunity to force penalties when Luciano Gutierrez, unmarked, shot from a good position, but his attempt finished into the side netting.
FT a.e.t. (QS 2 – NY 1)
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
Asst. Referees: David Castillo, Robert Curtis
4th Official: Wayne Sammut
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