8 March 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 15) Gozo Stadium
Xaghra United FC : 4
Ghajnsielem FC : 1
6’ (1-0) Yousouf Abedi (Rodo)
20’ (1-1) Jhon Alejandro Gonzalez
51’ (2-1) penalty Ibrahim Salis
67’ (3-1) Marlon Mamo
73’ (4-1) Yousouf Abedi (Rodo)
Xaghra U:
M. Zammit, J. Bajada, S. Galea, I. De Jesus De Santana (Jacare’), L. Farrugia (N. Agius 87), E. Xiberras (T. Agius 78), J.P. Oliveira Santos (Pedrinho), M. Mamo (N. Sultana 83), F.J. Xuereb, Y. Abedi (Rodo), I. Salis.
Ghajnsielem:
R. Sammut, D. Grozdanov (J. Vella 76), A. Xuereb, P. Rapa (L. Tabone 87), W. Hili, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), M.A. Scicluna (J. Grech 76), J. Tabone Refalo, D. Murillo Borrero, J.A. Gonzalez Castillo, D.A. Cuero.
Xaghra United enjoyed an excellent start to the third and final round of the championship, earning a deserved 4–1 victory over Ghajnsielem. This was Xaghra’s second league win of the season and their second consecutive positive result, allowing them to move off the bottom of the table for the first time since the start of the campaign.
Ghajnsielem entered the match as favourites, sitting third in the standings and having already defeated Xaghra twice this season with identical 2–0 scorelines. However, Xaghra showed great determination in their fight against relegation. They avoided defensive mistakes and opted to field three foreign attackers, helping them make better use of their scoring opportunities.
The first half was evenly balanced, but at the start of the second half Xaghra regained the lead and went on to consolidate their superiority until full-time. The standout player for Xaghra in this important victory was 23-year-old Congolese forward Yousouf Rodo, who scored twice.
Timeline
First Half:
The opening half was lively, with both teams aggressive in attack and putting pressure on each other’s defences. Xaghra scored early, Ghajnsielem reacted well, and the score remained level at the break.
6’ (1–0) Xaghra opened the scoring when Ibrahim Salis played the ball into the box for Yousouf Rodo, who surprised the goalkeeper with a low finish.
10’ Xaghra threatened again as Rodo set up Ibrahim Salis, whose angled attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Richard Sammut.
17’ Another Xaghra effort saw a central shot by Rodo saved comfortably by goalkeeper Richard Sammut.
20’ (1–1) Ghajnsielem equalised when Ewertton Tom released Jhon Gonzalez, who beat the offside line, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished low into the net.
22’ Ghajnsielem came close to turning the match around when Ewertton Tom again played in Gonzalez, whose low shot towards the far post narrowly missed.
HT (1–1)
Second Half:
Xaghra made a perfect start to the second half, converting a penalty to regain the lead. This allowed them to manage the match with more confidence and add two more goals during the middle phase of the half.
5’ (2–1) Penalty Xaghra took the lead again after being awarded a penalty for a foul on Ibrahim Salis. The Nigerian forward converted from the spot.
10’ Xaghra remained dangerous as Jacaré’s header from a Pedrinho free-kick went over the bar.
16’ (protests for penalty) Ghajnsielem appealed for a penalty when Deison Cuero went to ground inside the box while chasing a pass from Ewertton Tom.
18’ (protests for penalty) Xaghra also appealed for a penalty when Ibrahim Salis was brought down by Daniel Murillo.
20’ Ghajnsielem nearly created more danger, but a free-kick from Ewertton Tom sailed over.
22’ (3–1) Xaghra extended their lead when the Ghajnsielem defence cleared centrally, allowing Marlon Mamo to notice the goalkeeper off his line and score with a lob from distance.
26’ The Xaghra goalkeeper saved a low free-kick from Ewertton Tom.
27’ Minutes later, he rushed off his line to deny Deison Cuero from a promising position.
28’ (4–1) Xaghra sealed the win when Pedrinho found Yousouf Rodo unmarked in the centre, allowing the Congolese striker to finish easily with a low shot.
FT (XU 4 – GHJ 1)
Referee: Andrea Naudi
Asst. Referees: Wayne Spiteri, Darko Stankovic
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