2 November 2025
BOV GFA Cup (Prel. Rd) Kercem Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 4
Sannat Lions FC : 1
27’ (0-1) o.g. John Axiak
45+2’ (1-1) Tristan Grech
84’ (2-1) Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro
90’ (3-1) James Tabone Refalo
90+2’ (4-1) Jhon Alejandro Gonzalez Castillo
Ghajnsielem:
G. Parnis (R. Sammut 46), A. Xuereb, W. Hili, N.I. Belhadj, M. Bezzina, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), H. Muscat, J. Tabone Refalo, D. Murillo Borrero (J. Vella 35, D. Portlli 76), B.O. Igbinobaro, J.A. Gonzalez Castillo, D.A. Cuero.
Sannat L:
K. Attard, J. Axiak, D. Galea, N. Grima (C. Buttigieg 68), P. Said, W. Debono (K. Calleja 46), S.F. Bajada (M. Vella 81), T. Grech (E. Gauci 78), J.A. Cuero, I. Nedeljkovic, N. Rados (A. Azzopardi 46).
Ghajnsielem earned a hard-fought 4–1 victory over Second Division side Sannat Lions, maintaining expectations and securing a place in the quarter-finals of the BOV GFA Cup.
The match turned out to be far more competitive than anticipated, as Sannat looked determined to put up a strong fight and even cause an upset. Ghajnsielem enjoyed long spells of territorial dominance but failed to capitalise on several scoring chances, having to wait until the final stages of the game to score the decisive goals that sealed their qualification.
Sannat defended solidly and was also dangerous on the counterattack, staying in the match until just minutes before the end of regular time. However, they were demoralised after conceding a second goal and eventually allowed two more goals before the final whistle, compromising what had been a commendable performance.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Match Timeline
First Half
Ghajnsielem started on the offensive, but Sannat remained well-organised and managed to share possession during various spells. Ghajnsielem took the lead but missed good opportunities to extend it, allowing Sannat to level the score seconds before halftime.
6’ – Ghajnsielem had their first attempt through Baldwin Igbinobaro, but his shot went wide.
10’ – Sannat’s David Galea missed the target from a promising position.
16’ – Sannat goalkeeper Kyle Attard blocked a strong shot by Jhon Gonzalez.
20’ – A header by Gonzalez from a Michael Bezzina cross went just wide.
21’ – Paul Said of Sannat tried his luck from distance, but the ball finished off target.
27’ (1-0) – Ghajnsielem opened the scoring following a controversial incident. After appeals for a penalty for a foul by Sam Frank Bajada on Igbinobaro, the referee awarded a free kick just outside the box. Ewerton Tom’s effort was blocked, but Daniel Murillo recovered the ball and crossed low from the left — and defender John Axiak inadvertently turned it into his own net.
32’ – Michael Bezzina set up Igbinobaro, but the Canadian forward mishit his attempt under pressure.
45+2’ – Kyle Attard saved comfortably from Ewerton Tom’s central shot from outside the area.
45+4’ (1-1) – Sannat equalised when Paul Said’s free kick found Tristan Grech, who broke through the defence and fired into the roof of the net from close range.
HT (1–1)
Second Half
The game became much livelier after the break, with Ghajnsielem struggling to take full control while Sannat grew in confidence, believing they could pull off a surprise.
52’ – Ghajnsielem missed a good chance to regain the lead when Jhon Rodriguez sent Igbinobaro through, but after rounding the goalkeeper, he shot wide.
54’ – Sannat hit back with a counterattack, but Igor Nedeljkovic’s shot went wide.
67’ – Kyle Attard comfortably saved a header from James Tabone Refalo following a corner by Michael Bezzina.
72’ – Jhon Rodriguez fired narrowly over from a tight angle.
77’ – Attard produced a fine save to deny Bezzina’s dangerous strike.
81’ (Disallowed Goal) – Nedeljkovic headed home from a left-wing cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
83’ – Ewerton Tom delivered a teasing cross, but Alberto Xuereb misfired from a good position.
84’ (2-1) – Ghajnsielem finally went back in front when Rodriguez sent in a low cross that confused the defence, allowing Baldwin Igbinobaro to slot in from close range.
90’ (3-1) – James Tabone Refalo extended the lead with a header from Ewerton Tom’s cross from the left.
90+2’ (4-1) – Ghajnsielem sealed the win with a fourth goal, as Jhon Gonzalez scored from close range after another move initiated by Ewerton Tom.
FT (GHJ 4 – SL 1)
Referee: Joseph Scerri
Asst. Referees: Paul Apap, Raymond Tabone
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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