12 September 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 1) Gozo Stadium
Xewkija Tigers FC : 2
Qala Saints FC : 0
18’ (1-0) Brian Alejandro Parada
79’ (2-0) Brian Alejandro Parada
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, Js. Vella, I. Xuereb, J.M. Vella, D. Bugeja (R. Buttigieg 82), M.J. Barbosa (J. Farrugia 38), S. Cassar (M. Bonnici 88), G. Hili, A.M. Bustos, B.A. Parada, B.A. Melo Dos Santos.
Qala S:
O. Attard, N. Inguanez, Jsph. Buttigieg, J.A. Ferreira Dos Santos, L.B. Da Silva, M. Buttigieg (J. Zammit 46), A.G. Castro Martins, J. Pace, E. Buttigieg, G. Cardona (M. Camilleri 46), Martins Leite Carrara.
In the first fixture of the opening round of the 2025/2026 BOV Gozo Football League First Division, Xewkija Tigers underlined their ambition to reclaim the Gozitan league title after an eight-year wait with a deserved 2-0 victory over reigning champions Qala Saints.
This was the second meeting between the two sides in just a matter of days. Earlier in the week, Qala Saints had cruised past the Tigers with a 3-0 win in the first round of the MFA Jubilee Cup. However, in this league clash, Qala appeared overconfident, and Xewkija took full advantage by showing greater determination and playing a more direct game that kept their opponents’ defence under pressure throughout.
The Tigers secured the win with a goal in each half, both scored by Argentine striker Brian Alejandro Parada. Meanwhile, Qala disappointed, as their reaction was weak and they rarely troubled Xewkija’s defence.
Match Timeline
Photo: Anthony Cassar
First Half:
The opening half was lively, with both teams attempting to seize control of the game. Xewkija looked sharper from the start and managed to break the deadlock, while Qala gradually grew into the contest and tried to force an equaliser.
12’ Qala had their first real chance when Andre Martins broke through the defence, but his lob was tame and goalkeeper Adrian Parnis saved with ease.
13’ Marcelo Barbosa delivered a cross from the right for Qala, but Stefan Cassar mistimed his header, allowing keeper Owen Attard to clear the danger.
18’ (1-0) Xewkija opened the scoring when a left-wing cross from Stefan Cassar was met by Brian Alejandro Parada, who rose well and headed into the corner.
30’ Qala came close to equalising when Joseph Buttigieg’s low strike shaved the upright.
31’ Xewkija’s keeper Parnis produced an important save, blocking Gabriel Cardona’s close-range effort.
35’ Parnis was called into action again, comfortably dealing with a free-kick from Leite Carrara.
HT (1-0)
Second Half
Photo: Anthony Cassar
The second period remained entertaining, with Xewkija managing their lead smartly. Qala struggled to create real danger, while the Tigers grew in confidence and sealed the win late on.
49’ Xewkija nearly doubled their lead when Parada broke into the box, but his angled shot was saved in two attempts by Qala keeper Owen Attard.
66’ Xewkija threatened twice in quick succession, but Denzil Bugeja fired both efforts wide from promising positions.
73’ Another counterattack saw Bugeja shoot narrowly wide of the far post.
79’ (2-0) Xewkija made sure of the points when Bustos slipped a clever pass behind the defence, allowing Parada to pounce and lob the ball over the goalkeeper for his second of the night.
FT (XT 2 – QS 0)
Referee: Andrea Naudi
Asst. Referees: Mark Ciantar, Max-Lee Muscat
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