17 January 2026

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 8) Kercem Stadium

Oratory Youths Edge Munxar in Five-Goal Thriller

Munxar Falcons FC : 2

Oratory Youths FC : 3

39’ (0-1) Aroldo Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho)

52’ (0-2) Jamie Xerri

55’ (1-2) Dylan Paul Rapa

61’ (1-3) Geordie Ellis

82’ (2-3) Dylan Paul Rapa

Munxar F:

A. Debono, P. Parnis, D. Bajada, A. Carvalho, G. Debono (P. Vella 59), E. Galea, D.P. Rapa, K. Vella (K. Curmi 88), J. Grech (O. Grech 77), O. Curmi, K. Mizzi (L. Meilak 59).

Oratory Y:

P. Cremona (Z. Camilleri 22), R. Portelli (C. Hili 87), C. Saliba, R. Curmi, A. Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho), K. Farrugia, J. Xerri , G. Ellis, C. Azzopardi, C. Farrugia, J. Attard.

Oratory Youths secured their second win of the championship after defeating Munxar Falcons 3–2, extending their advantage over the same opponents in the head-to-head standings in the battle to avoid bottom place. On the other hand, Munxar remain without a win in the league, and it is now becoming increasingly difficult for them to avoid finishing at the foot of the table.

For long periods, play was concentrated in midfield, with both Munxar and Oratory finding it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities in front of goal. Oratory held a two-goal advantage on two separate occasions, but Munxar continued to push forward, keeping the outcome in doubt until the referee’s final whistle. Nevertheless, Oratory’s victory was deserved, as they were the more threatening side and remained well organised in defence for much of the match to protect their lead.

Timeline

First Half:

Munxar appeared more adventurous in the early stages but failed to take advantage of their chances and looked deflated after Oratory opened the scoring, finding it difficult to recover.

2’ Munxar threatened through a header by Ayesller Carvalho, but the ball went wide.

11’ In another Munxar move, Kenneth Mizzi crossed into the area for Dylan Paul Rapa, whose close-range effort failed to hit the target.

27’ Oratory substitute goalkeeper Zac Camilleri was called into action, blocking a low attempt by Ayesller Carvalho with his feet.

32’ Oratory went close when Aroldinho broke down the left and crossed low, with Geordie Ellis seeing his effort blocked by goalkeeper Aiden Debono.

39’ (0–1) Oratory took the lead through a half-high strike by Aroldinho that gave the goalkeeper no chance to intervene.

HT (0–1)

Second Half:

The second half was more open, with increased action at both ends. Oratory made good use of their advantage to deny Munxar at least a point from this encounter.

7’ (0–2) Oratory doubled their lead with a central header by Jamie Xerri following a cross from the right that caught the goalkeeper off guard.

10’ (1–2) Munxar reduced the deficit when Dylan Paul Rapa beat the goalkeeper with a powerful close-range header after a cross from the right.

13’ Oratory went close to scoring again when Aroldinho broke into the area with a solo run, but his close-range effort went just wide.

16’ (1–3) Oratory restored their two-goal lead when Aroldinho picked out an unmarked Geordie Ellis in the area, who finished with a low shot into the corner.

19’ Munxar responded with a well-placed effort by Dylan Paul Rapa, which was blocked by Oratory goalkeeper Zac Camilleri with his legs.

32’ Oratory threatened again when Clive Farrugia made a solo run and crossed for Aroldinho, whose close-range attempt was saved for a corner by goalkeeper Aiden Debono.

37’ (2–3) Munxar pulled back into the match when Ayesller Carvalho crossed into the area for Dylan Paul Rapa, who fired home from close range.

FT (MF 2 – OY 3)

Referee: Kieron Haber 

Asst. Referees: Darko Stankovic, Henry Nana Kwasi Adejl