26 October 2024
BOV GFA Cup (Prel Rd) Kercem Stadium
Xewkija Tigers FC : 5
Ghajnsielem FC : 0
47’ (1-0) Claudio Daniel Frances
52’ (2-0) Brian Alejandro Parada
60’ (3-0) Denzil Bugeja
72’ (4-0) Stefan Cassar
84’ (5-0) Claudio Daniel Frances
Xewkija T:
N. Kosanin, Jsm. Vella, J.M. Vella, D. Bugeja (J. Vella 75), R. Buttigieg (Josh. Buttigieg 64), G. Hili (J. Farrugia 46), S. Cassar (M. Bonnici 75), C.D. Frances, K. Mercieca (J. Axiak 64), B.A. Parada, E. De Sousa Santos.
Ghajnsielem:
L. Buttigieg, Al. Xuereb (C. Dingli 48), D.D. Torres Quinones, K. Hili, M.V. Claudino Ramos (Choco), D. Attard (P. Vella 59), J. Tabone, J.O. Ezigbo, N.I. Belhadj, M.A. Scicluna (T. Sciberras 59), D. Hili (K. Bajada 61).
In the only match from the Preliminary Round of the BOV GFA Cup between two sides from the top flight, Xewkija Tigers prevailed over Ghajnsielem with 5-0 win that matured with goals scored during the second period.
The two sides came out for this match with the ambition to win the qualification as they are seeking to make up for a disappointing run in the first round of the league. Xewkija were coming from two consecutive defeats in their previous two matches of the campaign while Ghajnsielem registered a win in their last match from the first round and re-opened their chances to move away from the red zone. As a result, the match turned out to be quite interesting during the first period as Ghajnsielem, who had Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa missing due to an injury, seemed more confident and produced more offensive play, while Xewkija, who had influential midfielder Stefan Cassar back in the starting line up after a suspension in the previous league match, corrected their deployment and seemed well organised.
In this match, each side enjoyed supremacy over the opponent for a half each but the Blacks were erratic in their finishing and failed to convert their best patch of play into a comfortable lead. On the other hand, Xewkija had an excellent start in the second half and paved the way to the win by scoring three goals within the opening fifteen minutes of the second period. With this qualification, Xewkija will be facing Kercem Ajax in the match from the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline:
The two sides seemed motivated to take command of the play as the two sides were aiming to earn a place with the last eight teams in the competition. However, as time passed by Ghajnsielem became more dangerous than their opponents but the strikers failed to capitalise on some potential chances to take the, lead so the first half ended in a goalless draw.
3’ Xewkija went very close to open the score but an attempt from a corner kick by Claudio Daniel Frances was cleared off the line by Ghajnsielem‘s defence.
10’ Ghajnsielem replied with a shot from an angled position by Joseph Onyeka Ezigbo that was saved by Xewkija’s goalie Nikola Kosanin.
11’ The same goalkeeper was again called to make a difficult save to block a good shot by Damon Hili following a prolonged action inside Xewkija’s area.
22’ The Blacks once again threatened Xewkija’s rearguard through a shot by Decon Attard but the ball ended wide.
27’ Ghajnsielem’s Joseph Onyeka Ezigbo had a good shot from outside the area that ended wide.
HT (0-0)
Second Half
Xewkija surprised Ghajnsielem during the opening minutes of the second period and managed to score three goals in the space of few minutes so that the Black seemed demoralised and the Tigers dominated the rest of the encounter.
2’ (1-0) Xewkija opened the score with a goal that arrived from a shot directly from a free kick by Claudio Daniel Frances that surprised Ghajnsielem’s goalie.
5’ Xewkija kept insisting and went close to double the score through a shot by substitute Julian Farrugia but the ball ended wide.
7’ (2-0) Xewkija managed to score their second goal when Rodney Buttigieg kept the ball in play on the right flank and from his cross Brian Alejandro Parada headed in goal from close distance.
10’ (goal disallowed) Xewkija’s Brian Alejandro Parada passed through Ghajnsielem’s defence and netted with a low drive but the goal was disallowed for an offside infringement.
15’ (3-0) The Tigers put the score beyond the reach of their opponent when they scored the third goal through a header by Denzil Bugeja following a cross by Claudio Daniel Frances.
22’ Ghajnsielem’s reaction arrived through a shot from a free kick by Marcus Vinicius Claudino Ramos that was well saved by Xewkija’s goalie Nikola Kosanin.
27’ (4-0) Xewkija added another goal that arrived through a shot from a long distance by Stefan Cassar that surprised Ghajnsielem’s keeper.
33’ Ghajnsielem’s goalie Luke Buttigieg denied Xewkija from scoring another goal when he deflected a low drive by substitute Julian Farrugia who was alone in front of the goalkeeper.
37’ Xewkija’s goalie Nikola Kosanin denied Ghajnsielem from scoring a consolation goal when he blocked a corner shot from outside the area by Marcus Vinicius Claudino Ramos.
39’ (5-0) Xewkija scored their fifth goal through a strike from outside the area by Claudio Daniel Frances.
FT (XT 5 – GHJ 0)
Referee: Alex Johnson
Asst. Referees: Alan Camilleri, Shaun Calleja
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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