30 November 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 7) Gozo Stadium
Xewkija Tigers FC: 1
Ghajnsielem FC : 3
36’ (penalty missed – saved) Brian Alejandro Parada (XT)
40’ (0-1) James Tabone Refalo
50’ (0-2) Deison Arvey Cuero
63’ (1-2) Brian Alejandro Parada
90+6’ (1-3) Ewerton Jose Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom)
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, Js. Vella, I. Xuereb, D. Bugeja, M. Barbosa, M. Bonnici (J. Farrugia 82, S. Cassar, G. Hili (J. Vella 82), B.A. Parada, C.D. Frances, B. Armando Melo Dos Santos.
Ghajnsielem:
R. Sammut, A. Xuereb (M. Bezzina 72), W. Hili (M.A. Scicluna 17), I.N. Belhadj, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), J. Buttigieg (P. Rapa 65), H. Muscat, J. Tabone Refalo, D. Murillo Borrero, J.A. Gonzalez Castillo, D.A. Cuero.
Ghajnsielem produced a major upset by defeating league leaders Xewkija Tigers 3–1, a result that lifted them to second place in the standings, just one point behind Xewkija. Together with Qala’s victory over Kercem Ajax earlier in the day, the championship race is now wide open, with four teams separated by only three points and no side remaining unbeaten.
The match proved far more competitive than expected. Despite Xewkija enjoying the bulk of possession, Ghajnsielem were extremely well organised in defence and far more efficient in front of goal.
The turning point came shortly before the interval when Xewkija missed a penalty, and Ghajnsielem immediately capitalised from a corner to take the lead. From that moment,t the match opened up, but Xewkija struggled to respond and appeared increasingly unsettled as the game progressed.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline
First Half
Xewkija were more adventurous for much of the opening period but failed to create clear-cut chances. Their missed penalty proved costly as Ghajnsielem took advantage of a defensive lapse and went into the break in front.
11’ From a cross by Claudio Frances, Matthias Bonnici controlled inside the box but shot wide at the far post.
27’ Xewkija’s Claudio Frances again went close, but his effort from a good position went just wide.
36’ (Penalty missed – saved) Xewkija were awarded a penalty after substitute Mark Anthony Scicluna was fouled by Brian Parada, but Parada’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Richard Sammut.
40’ (0–1) Ghajnsielem took the lead after a short corner. Ewerton Tom crossed from the left, the defence failed to clear properly, and James Tabone Refalo netted from close range.
42’ Brian Parada tested the Ghajnsielem goalkeeper with a strong effort, which was deflected for a corner.
HT (0–1)
Second Half
The game became more open after the break as Ghajnsielem grew in confidence and Xewkija pushed for an equaliser. Ghajnsielem struck again early in the half, but Xewkija responded soon after, setting up a tense final period before the visitors sealed the victory in stoppage time.
1’ Ghajnsielem’s goalie Richard Sammut made an important save to deny Brian Parada’s header after a cross by Claudio Frances.
5’ (0–2) Ghajnsielem doubled their lead when Alberto Xuereb’s cross was met by Deison Cuero, who headed home.
16’ (Post) Cuero went close again from a corner taken by Ewerton Tom, but his header struck the post.
17’ Richard Sammut produced another fine save to deny Stefan Cassar.
18’ (1–2) Xewkija reduced the deficit when Brian Parada headed in a cross from Denzil Bugeja.
19’ Xewkija nearly equalised, but Marcelo Barbosa failed to connect with another delivery from Bugeja.
31’ Ghajnsielem missed a great chance to seal the match when substitute Michael Bezzina headed wide from close range after a cross by Ewerton Tom.
39’ Xewkija goalkeeper Adrian Parnis kept his team in the match with an excellent save from Ewerton Tom after a solo run.
45+5’ Ghajnsielem wasted another counter-attacking opportunity as Mark Anthony Scicluna’s shot went wide after being set up by Ewerton Tom.
45+6’ (1–3) Ghajnsielem finally wrapped up the win when Ewerton Tom placed into an empty net following a counter-attack after the goalkeeper failed to hold a shot from Jhon Gonzalez.
FT (XT 1 – GHJ 3)
Referee: Andrea Naudi
Asst. Referees: Duncan Spencer, Patrick Falzon
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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