20 September 2025
GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (S/F) Gozo Stadium
Zebbug Rovers FC : 4
Munxar Falcons FC : 2
After Extra Time
67’ (1-0) Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa
73’ (2-0) Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa
75’ (red card) Eman Bugeja (MF)
83’ (2-1) Jamie Vella
90+4’ (2-2) Jamie Vella
93’ (3-2) Harry Paulin
103’ (4-2) Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa
Zebbug R:
A. Brignoli, P. Spiteri (O. Mercieca 81), G. Portelli, B. Camilleri, H.H. Goncalves Barbosa, H. Paulin, N.J. Cini (N.J. Camilleri 81), L. Portelli, N. Cassar (L. Galea 81), M. Vella, J. Buttigieg.
Munxar F:
D. Spiteri, E. Bugeja, P. Parnis, O. Grech (G. Cauchi 79), A. Carvalho, G. Debono (J. Vella 74), P. Vella (K. Curmi 59), L. Meilak, E. Galea, K. Vella (D. Bajada 46). K. Mizzi.
Zebbug Rovers booked their place in the final of the Second Division Challenge Cup with a 4–2 victory after extra time against Munxar Falcons in the first semi-final of the competition. The match proved to be a dramatic affair. For long periods, Zebbug appeared to be heading for a comfortable qualification after opening a two-goal lead and playing the final part of regular time with a numerical advantage. However, Munxar showed great determination and resilience, mounting a late comeback despite being reduced to ten men to force the match into extra time.
In the additional period, Zebbug regained control of proceedings and eventually sealed a deserved victory.
Timeline
First Half:
The opening half was closely contested, with few clear-cut scoring opportunities at either end, and the score remained goalless at the interval.
8’ Zebbug goalkeeper Angelo Brognoli came off his line promptly to block a dangerous attempt before Kenneth Mizzi could reach the ball.
13’ Zebbug replied with a shot by George Portelli that went wide.
3’ Zebbug threatened again, but Haraan Goncalves Barbosa’s effort was blocked by Munxar goalkeeper Damian Spiteri.
44’ In the final notable action of the half, Brignoli saved a shot from Kenneth Mizzi.
HT (0-0)
Second Half:
Zebbug emerged with greater attacking intent and quickly built a two-goal advantage. Munxar, however, responded admirably despite being reduced to ten men, managing to equalise and send the match into extra time.
7’ Munxar’s goalkeeper saved a shot from Nathan John Cini.
10’ Zebbug wasted a good opportunity when Haraan Goncalves Barbosa’s effort towards the far post went wide.
12’ Goncalves Barbosa again went close but was denied by a low save from the goalkeeper.
14’ Munxar replied with a header by Kenneth Mizzi from a free kick, saved by Zebbug’s goalkeeper.
22’ (1–0) Zebbug opened the scoring when Haraan Goncalves Barbosa lobbed the ball into the net after a defensive clearance failed.
27’ Munxar threatened through Kenneth Mizzi, but his effort went wide.
28’ (2–0) Zebbug doubled their lead as Goncalves Barbosa anticipated the goalkeeper’s advance and finished with a low shot.
30’ (Red Card) Munxar were reduced to ten men when Eman Bugeja was sent off for a challenge on Goncalves Barbosa.
34’ Zebbug went close to sealing the match, but Harry Paulin’s shot went over.
38’ (2–1) Munxar pulled one back when substitute Jamie Vella scored from close range following a corner by Luke Meilak.
40’ Zebbug missed a golden chance to restore their two-goal lead when Harry Paulin shot wide from close range.
45+4’ (2–2) Munxar equalised when Aysller Carvalho broke through the defence and from his inviting low cross Jamie Vella pushed the ball into an empty net.
90 mins. (2-2)
Extra Time
First Half:
Zebbug dominated the opening stages of extra time and quickly asserted their superiority.
2’ Substitute Noah-Joe Camilleri tested the defence, but his effort went over.
3’ (3–2) Zebbug regained the lead when Goncalves Barbosa broke down the right and crossed for Harry Paulin to finish with a tap-in.
12’ Munxar’s goalkeeper saved a free kick by Harry Paulin.
13’ (4–2) Zebbug sealed the victory as Goncalves Barbosa completed a fine solo run before beating the goalkeeper.
HT (Extra Time) (4–2)
Second Half:
5’ Zebbug nearly added a fifth goal, but Harry Paulin’s close-range effort struck the crossbar.
14’ Paulin again came close from a free kick, which was tipped onto the crossbar by the goalkeeper, who then recovered to clear the danger.
FT a.e.t. (ZR 4 – MF 2)
Referee: Rapjan Xhyra
Asst. Referees: Harrison Scott, Neville Cilia
0 Comments