19 April 2025
GFA Gozo Football League Play Off Gozo Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 4
Sannat Lions FC : 1
2’ (1-0) penalty Marcus Vinicius Claudino Ramos (Choco)
12’ (2-0) Naim Ibrahim Belhadj
19’ (2-1) Aud-Gustine James Obaje
37’ (red card) Tristan Grech (SL)
54’ (3-1) Esneider Antonio Daza Carranza
70’ (4-1) Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos
Ghajnsielem:
G. Parnis, H. Muscat, A. Xuereb (C. Fava 85), L.J.L.Pizzo. M.V. Claudino Ramos (Choco), E.A. Daza Carranza (K. Bajada 57), J. Tabone, M. Camilleri (W. Hili 68), K.L. Nunes Santos, N.I. Belhadj, M.A. Scicluna (K. Hili 68).
Sannat L:
K. Attard, E. Bennici (W. Debono 80), K. Xuereb (M. Vella 74), A.J. Obaje, E. Gauci (G. Xerri 74), V.H. Alves Fernandes, A. Azzopardi (P. Said 80), C. Buttigieg, T. Grech, G. Debrincat (C. Gauci 61), J.G. Da Silva.
Ghajnsielem, who finished the First Division league at the bottom of the table, will play in the First Division again next season after achieving a 4–1 victory against Second Division runners-up Sannat Lions in the Play-Off match.
Ghajnsielem were the favourites to win this encounter, but Sannat were going through a period of enthusiasm and came out with the ambition to challenge their more highly-rated opponents. Ghajnsielem looked like they would cruise to an easy win after scoring two early goals, but Sannat responded and managed to reduce the deficit, staying in the game until the end of the first half. Sannat compromised their chances of surprising their opponents when they played with one man down just before halftime. After the break, Ghajnsielem took advantage of the extra player on the pitch and not only managed the lead but also secured the win by scoring more goals.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline:
Ghajnsielem had a perfect start, scoring in the first action of the match and doubling their lead shortly after. After reducing the score, Sannat regained their composure and tried to find an equaliser, despite ending the first half with a player sent off.
1’ (1-0) penalty Ghajnsielem took the lead after just 38 seconds when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Tristan Grech on Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos. Marcus Vinicius Claudino Ramos (Choco) beat the goalkeeper with his shot from the penalty spot.
8’ Ghajnsielem were dangerous again when, from a corner by Daza Carranza, Lautaro Pizzo headed just wide.
9’ Sannat responded with a shot from outside the box by Aaron Azzopardi, but the ball went wide.
12’ (2-0) Ghajnsielem doubled their lead when Kaio Nunes Santos broke into the box and, from a low cross, Naim Ibrahim Belhadj finished at the second attempt.
15’ Sannat came close with a shot by Gabriel Debrincat that went over the bar.
19’ (2-1) Sannat managed to get back into the game when Aud-Gustine James Obaje advanced with a solo effort, went around the goalkeeper, and finished low into the net.
24’ Ghajnsielem responded with a shot by Daza Carranza, which was neutralised by goalkeeper Kyle Attard after two attempts.
32’ The same goalkeeper was again called into action, saving a free kick by Daza Carranza for a corner.
37’ (Red card) Sannat were reduced to ten men when Tristan Grech was shown a red card for a foul outside the box on Daza Carranza.
42’ Sannat remained dangerous, but a cross-shot by Obaje went wide.
45’ Ghajnsielem could have done better when, from a corner by Daza Carranza, Lautaro Pizzo headed into the box, but Kaio Nunes Santos mishit his effort from a good position and the ball went just wide.
HT (2-1)
Second Half:
For the second half, Sannat came out trying to recover the deficit despite being a man down, but they failed to take advantage of situations in the attacking box and ended up leaving space in defence. Ghajnsielem remained disciplined at the back and were more dangerous than their opponents, managing to score two more goals to secure the result early in the half.
7’ Ghajnsielem could have created more danger when Alberto Xuereb passed to Kaio Nunes Santos, whose low shot went wide.
8’ (crossbar) Ghajnsielem were threatening again when a cross-shot by Daza Carranza hit the crossbar.
9’ (3-1) Ghajnsielem extended their lead when Esneider Antonio Daza Carranza broke down the right and his angled shot crossed the line before Kaio Nunes Santos could intervene.
11’ Sannat came close to reducing the score again when Obaje aimed at the far post, but Cyriel Buttigieg failed to connect and the ball went wide.
18’ Sannat goalkeeper Kyle Attard was alert and blocked a long-range shot by Claudino Ramos.
22’ Ghajnsielem could have scored again when substitute Kurt Bajada went on a solo run, but his lob toward the empty net went over.
24’ The Sannat keeper again denied Ghajnsielem a goal, turning a shot on the run by Claudino Ramos into a corner.
25’ (4-1) From the resulting corner taken by Claudino Ramos, Għajnsielem sealed the win with a header by Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos.
FT (GHJ 4 – SL 1)
Referee: Daniel Portelli
Asst. Referees: Gerald William Zammit Young, George Anthony Attard
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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