9 November 2025
BOV GFA Cup (Q/final) Kercem Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 1
Xewkija Tigers FC : 4
10’ (0-1) Marcelo Barbosa
13’ (0-2) o.g. James Tabone Refalo
47’ (0-3) Marcelo Junior Barbosa
50’ (0-4) Abou Toure
57’ (1-4) o.g. Ian Xuereb
86’ (red card) Naim Ibrahim Belhadj (GHJ)
Ghajnsielem:
R. Sammut, A. Xuereb (M.A. Scicluna 78, W. Hili, N.I. Belhadj, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), J. Buttigieg . Bezzina 46), H. Muscat, J. Tabone Refalo, B.O. Igbinobaro, J.A. Gonzalez Castillo, D.A. Cuero.
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, Js. Vella, I. Xuereb, D. Bugeja, J. Buttigieg (M. Bonnici 69), M. Barbosa, S. Cassar (Ju. Vella 69), G. Hili (A. Azzopardi 87), C.D. Frances (K. Hili 87), B. Armando Melo Dos Santos, A. Toure (G. Xerri 87).
In the final match from the BOV GFA Cup quarter-finals, Xewkija Tigers registered a 4–1 victory over Ghajnsielem, continuing their impressive form that has been evident since the start of the league campaign.
This was the only quarter-final encounter between two First Division sides, and despite the final scoreline, the match was a competitive one, with Ghajnsielem always believing they could fight back into contention.
Xewkija’s win was effectively sealed through two early goals in each half, allowing them to control the tempo and limit hħajnsielem’s reaction. Throughout the game, the Tigers also gave valuable playing time to a number of younger players who have had limited opportunities in the league so far.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline
First Half
Ghajnsielem started the match more aggressively, but Xewkija made the most of two early free-kick situations to build a comfortable lead. The Blacks appeared unsettled after falling behind, and their reaction was weak, allowing the Tigers to manage their advantage until the break.
10’ (0–1) Xewkija opened the scoring through a Marcelo Barbosa free kick that surprised the defence and found the net.
12’ (post) Ghajnsielem responded immediately with a good move from Baldwin Igbinobaro, whose angled shot struck the upright.
13’ (0–2) The Tigers doubled their lead when a Claudio Frances free kick was accidentally headed into his own net by James Tabone Refalo, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
30’ Ghajnsielem threatened through Deison Cuero, whose powerful effort went just over.
40’ Ghajnsielem goalkeeper Richard Sammut was forced into a smart save to block a strong shot by Marcelo Barbosa, while Denzil Bugeja’s follow-up attempt was cleared by the defence.
HT (0–2)
Second Half
Xewkija once again made a strong start, scoring twice in the opening minutes to extend their lead. Ghajnsielem managed to pull one back and showed more fight as the half progressed, but the Tigers remained in full control until the end.
47’ (0–3) Xewkija increased their lead when Marcelo Barbosa dribbled past his marker and fired into the corner of the net.
50’ (0–4) The Tigers added another goal through Abou Toure, who finished calmly from close range after being set up by Denzil Bugeja, though he appeared to be in a marginal offside position.
55’ Ghajnsielem’s goalkeeper Richard Sammut produced another fine save to push away a shot from Stefan Cassar.
57’ (1–4) Ghajnsielem reduced the deficit when Xewkija’s defender Ian Xuereb hit badly in an attempt to clear a shot by Jhon Gonzalez to beat his own goalkeeper Adrian Parnis in the Xewkija goal.
60’ Gonzalez threatened again moments later, but Parnis denied him with a solid save.
63’ Substitute Michael Bezzina went close for Ghajnsielem with a low drive that passed just wide.
69’ Xewkija’s goalie Adrian Parnis was again alert to save a ground shot from Baldwin Igbinobaro.
70’ Igbinobaro missed a golden chance to score a second for Ghajnsielem, shooting over the bar from close range after a low cross by Jhon Rodriguez.
74’ At the other end, Richard Sammut pulled off a double save to deny substitute Matthias Bonnici from adding a fifth goal for Xewkija.
FT (GHJ 1 – XT 4)
Referee: Daniel Casha
Asst. Referees: Andrea Pavia Schiavone, Wayne Spiteri
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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