Gharb Obtain a Fine Win in Opening Match of the Second Division League

10 October 2026

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 1) Kercem Stadium

Gharb Rangers FC : 3

Munxar Falcons FC : 1

11’ (1-0) Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa

15’ (2-0) Bernard Camilleri

21’ (2-1) penalty Matyas Jenik

39’ (3-1) Bernard Camilleri

Gharb R:

G. Parnis, O. Cremona, B. Camilleri (D. Saliba 88), M. Bezzina (N.J. Cini 66), H.H. Goncalves Barbosa, P. Spiteri, S.F. Bajada (A. Sultana 79), A. Abela, H. Paulin (G. Ellis 66), D. Farrugia, M.J.M. Dijkgraaf (M. Vella 79).

Munxar F:

O. Xuereb, J.O. Amaechi Ouko, S. Sillato (K. Mizzi 79), P. Parnis (D. Bajada 69), M. Jenik, M. Xuereb, T. Markovic, E. Galea, J. Grech (J. Formosa 79), J. Xerri (G. Debono 69), O. Curmi (O. Grech 72).

Gharb Rangers opened the 2026/27 BOV Gozo Football League Second Division campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Munxar Falcons, underlining their ambitions to challenge for promotion.

Gharb controlled proceedings for long spells, creating the greater attacking threat and enough chances to win by a wider margin. Munxar tried to offer resistance but struggled to make an impact going forward, while defensive errors proved costly. All four goals came before half-time, and the contest became increasingly subdued after the interval as Gharb comfortably managed their two-goal advantage.

Timeline

First Half

Gharb started on the front foot and scored twice in the opening stages. Although Munxar pulled a goal back, the Rangers restored their two-goal cushion before the interval.

11′ (1–0) Haraan Goncalves Barbosa opened the scoring, meeting Harry Paulin’s cross and finishing from a promising position.

15′ (2–0) With Munxar looking unsettled, Bernard Camilleri doubled Gharb’s lead. He advanced into the penalty area from the left and beat the goalkeeper with a close-range shot.

21′ (2–1) — Penalty: Matyas Jenik reduced the deficit from the spot after Gharb goalkeeper Gabriel Parnis fouled Joey Grech inside the penalty area.

39′ (3–1) Bernard Camilleri restored Gharb’s two-goal advantage with his second goal of the match. Harry Paulin’s effort from Michael Bezzina’s corner struck the crossbar, and Camilleri followed up to score from the rebound.

HT (3-1)

Second Half

Munxar showed greater attacking intent after the break, but Gharb remained organised defensively. The Rangers gradually regained control and created further opportunities to extend their lead.

3′ Munxar had a promising opportunity from Matyas Jenik’s free-kick, but Michael Xuereb’s weak header was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

10′ — Penalty appeals: Gharb appealed for a penalty when Haraan Goncalves Barbosa went down inside the penalty area under pressure from two defenders.

12′ Gharb threatened through Harry Paulin, whose shot was blocked by goalkeeper Omar Xuereb.

27′ Omar Xuereb was called into action again, saving a well-struck effort from Mike Dijkgraaf.

FT (GR 3 – MF 1)

Referee: Iker Pace

Asst. Referees: Derome Agius, Jacob Luke Myatt