9 September 2025
GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (QF) Gozo Stadium
Gharb Rangers FC : 3
Oratory Youths FC : 2
After Extra Time
39’ (0-1) Geordie Ellis
85’ (1-1) Wesley Mateus Leal Barnaske
103’ (2-1) penalty Wesley Mateus Leal Barnaske
107’ (2-2) Aroldo Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho)
109’ (3-2) Joseph George Vella
Gharb R:
L. Buttigieg, S. Sillato, O. Cremona, K. Hili (J.P. Portelli 79), S. Gauci, W.M. Leal Barnaske, D. Hili, L. Sultana, J. Xerri (F. Xuereb 60), D. Farrugia, J.G. Vella.
Oratory Y:
P. Cremona, O. Calleja, E. Refalo, A. Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho), K. Farrugia, J. Xerri, G. Ellis, C. Azzopardi, C. Briffa (S. Attard 58), N. Said, Ju. Attard.
In the opening match of the Second Division Challenge Cup, Gharb Rangers secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Oratory Youths after extra time to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition.
This was the first competitive outing of the season for both teams, and it was clear from the start that Gharb and Oratory were eager to make a positive impression as they look to remain competitive throughout the campaign. The match was fiercely contested, with both sides scoring once during regulation time, forcing the tie into extra time where the qualification was ultimately decided.
For long stretches the match could have gone either way, but the experience shown by Gharb Rangers proved decisive as they managed to contain the youthful enthusiasm of Oratory Youths and turn the tie in their favour during the crucial moments of extra time.
Timeline
First Half:
The opening stages were evenly balanced, with both defences largely on top and few clear scoring opportunities.
27’ Gharb should have created more danger when Leal Barnaske headed weakly from close range following a cross from the right, allowing Oratory goalkeeper Paul Cremona to save comfortably.
34’ Barnaske again missed a good chance after breaking through the defence from a pass by Damon Hili, but the Brazilian striker mishit his effort from an ideal position.
36’ Oratory replied through Aroldinho, whose effort from a good position following a partial clearance went narrowly off target.
39’ (0–1) Oratory took the lead when a free-kick by Keith Farrugia caught the Gharb defence off guard, allowing Geordie Ellis to arrive from behind and score with a low drive.
HT (0-1)
Second Half:
The game became far more open after the break. Gharb increased their pressure in search of an equaliser, while Oratory found space on the counter-attack. Despite several promising situations, both sides were wasteful in front of goal.
14’ Oratory missed a golden opportunity to double their lead when Aroldinho squared an inviting ball across the goalmouth, but Geordie Ellis somehow lifted the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
20’ Gharb went close as a low shot by Leal Barnaske brushed the side netting.
23’ Gharb goalkeeper Luke Buttigieg denied Oratory with a fine save from a close-range effort by Aroldinho.
26’ Aroldinho again came close after a personal run, but his shot from close range was pushed out for a corner by Buttigieg.
35’ Oratory goalkeeper Paul Cremona reacted well to save a difficult header by Steve Gauci following a corner.
40’ (1–1) Gharb finally drew level through a powerful strike by Wesley Barnaske that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
45+3’ Gharb nearly sealed qualification in regulation time when Barnaske broke into the area, but Cremona made an excellent block.
90 mons. (1-1)
Extra Time:
Extra time continued in the same competitive spirit, with chances at both ends. However, Gharb proved more clinical and struck twice to secure victory.
13’ (2–1) penalty Gharb turned the tie around when Wesley Barnaske calmly converted a penalty.
17’ (2–2) Oratory responded well at the start of the second period of extra time, equalising through Aroldinho.
19’ (3–2) Gharb scored the decisive goal when Joseph George Vella produced a fine finish to send his team through to the semi-finals.
FT a.e.t. (GR 3 – OY 2)
Referee: Anthony Paul Vella
Asst. Referees: Patrick Falzon, Paul Apap
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