Gharb Rangers Come from Behind to and Go Top of the Table

18 October 2025

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

Zebbug Rovers FC: 2

Gharb Rangers FC : 3

1’ (1-0) Jake Sacco

39’ (1-1) Oliver Cremona

70’ (2-1) Jake Sacco

72’ (2-2) Luke Sultana

83’ (2-3) Wesley Maeus Leal Barnaske

Zebbug R:

A. Brignoli, P. Spiteri, B. Camilleri (O. Saliba 57), H.H. Goncalves Barbosa, H. Paulin (M. Vella 83), K. Sciberras (N.J. Camilleri 69), N.J. Cini, J. Sacco, L. Portelli, N. Cassar, J. Buttigieg.

Gharb R:

L. Buttigieg, A. Sultana, S. Sillato, T. Axiak (S. Gauci 46), O. Cremona, K. Hili (G. Muscat 86), W.M. Leal Barnaske, D. Hili, L. Sultana, D. Farrugia, J.G. Vella (J.P. Portelli 63).

Gharb Rangers claimed a 3–2 victory over Zebbug Rovers to move to the top of the standings, while Zebbug remain without a point after two matches.

It was an entertaining and hard-fought encounter, as both sides were eager to collect all three points. Gharb were looking to secure a second consecutive win, while Zebbug were determined to bounce back from their opening-day defeat. Both teams had their moments throughout the 90 minutes, but in the end, Gharb made better use of their scoring opportunities to turn a deficit into a deserved win.

Photo: Anthony Cassar

Timeline

First Half:

Zebbug started brightly and opened the scoring with their first serious attack, but Gharb responded well to level the score before halftime.

1’ (1–0) Zebbug took an early lead when Haraan Goncalves Barbosa set up, with a back heel,  Jake Saccowho fired past the goalkeeper from a good position.

26’ Gharb came close to equalising when Wesley Barnaske’s close-range effort was saved with difficulty by goalkeeper Angelo Brignoli.

39’ (1–1) Gharb drew level through a fine strike by Oliver Cremona, leaving the Zebbug goalkeeper with no chance to intervene.

43’ Gharb nearly went ahead just before the break, but Wesley Barnaske’s attempt was well saved by Brignoli.

HT (1–1)

Second Half:

The balance of play continued after the break, with both sides creating chances and the outcome remaining uncertain until the end.

59’ Zebbug threatened through a shot from Haraan Goncalves Barbosa that went just wide.

65’ Gharb replied through Wesley Barnaske, who found space but missed the target.

70’ (2–1) Zebbug regained the lead when Jake Sacco advanced from the left and beat the goalkeeper with a well-placed shot into the corner.

72’ (2–2) Gharb quickly equalised again when a free kick by Kenny Hili found Luke Sultana, who headed home from close range.

75’ Zebbug responded immediately with a dangerous effort by Haraan Goncalves Barbosa that was saved centrally by Gharb goalkeeper Luke Buttigieg.

77’ Jake Sacco came close again for Zebbug when his shot beat the goalkeeper, but the defence recovered to clear off the line.

79’ Another effort by Zebbug’s Paul Spiteri from a tight angle rolled just wide.

80’ Gharb goalkeeper Luke Buttigieg preserved the scoreline with a brave block to deny Haraan Goncalves Barbosa, who was through on goal.

83’ (2–3) Gharb scored the winning goal when Wesley Barnaske surprised the goalkeeper with a powerful strike from a central position.

FT (ZR 2 – GR 3)

Referee: Luca Grech 

Asst. Referees: Luca Formosa, Rapjan Xhyra

Photo: Anthony Cassar