20 December 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 7) Kercem Stadium
Gharb Rangers FC : 1
Zebbug Rovers FC : 3
10’ (0-1) Ismael Belhadj
36’ (1-1) Gean Dias Nascimento De Freitas
83’ (1-2) Jake Sacco
86’ (1-3) Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa
Gharb R:
L. Buttigieg, A. Sultana, S. Sillato (S. Gauci 31), T. Axiak, O. Cremona, D. Hili, L. Sultana, D. Depasquale (A. Camenzuli 84), G. Dias Nascimento De Freitas, D. Farrugia, J.G. Vella (K. Hili 54).
Zebbug R:
A. Brignoli, P. Spiteri, A. Abela, B. Camilleri (O. Saliba 67), H.H. Goncalves Barbosa, H. Paulin, N.J. Cini, J. Sacco, L. Portelli, N. Cassar, I. Belhadj (N.J. Camilleri 73).
In the opening match of Match-Day 7 of the Second Division championship, Zebbug Rovers confirmed the improvement shown in recent weeks by defeating league leaders Gharb Rangers 3–1. As expected, the title race remains wide open, with four teams now battling for top spot.
With this result, Zebbug recorded their fourth consecutive positive outcome after suffering three defeats in their opening three league matches, reviving hopes of joining the promotion challenge. For Gharb Rangers, this was their first defeat of the campaign, a setback that could compromise their advantage over their closest rivals, Sannat Lions and St Lawrence Spurs, who may draw level if they win their respective matches in Match-Day 7.
The match proved to be an entertaining and closely fought encounter. Zebbug enjoyed the better start, but Gharb gradually grew into the game, and for long periods the outcome could have gone either way. Zebbug ultimately secured all three points thanks to two goals scored in the closing stages, leaving Gharb with no time to mount a response.
Timeline
First Half:
Zebbug took control of proceedings from the opening minutes and struck an early goal. Gharb then pushed forward more decisively, and after equalising, the match became a tightly contested affair.
10’ (0–1) Zebbug opened the scoring when Jake Sacco played the ball into the area for Ishmael Belhadj, who beat the goalkeeper with a well-placed shot from an ideal position.
22’ Zebbug threatened again through a shot by Haraan Goncalves Barbosa, which was blocked for a corner by goalkeeper Luke Buttigieg.
27’ (Post) Zebbug were unlucky when Harry Paulin’s effort struck the post with the goalkeeper beaten.
36’ (1–1) Gharb equalised after the defence failed to clear the ball from inside the area following a free-kick by Damon Hili, with Gean Dias pouncing to score from close range.
42’ Zebbug had a chance to regain the lead, but Haraan Goncalves Barbosa’s shot went wide.
HT (1–1)
Second Half:
The second half remained fiercely contested, with both defences standing firm and clear-cut chances at a premium. The scoreline stayed in the balance until Zebbug struck twice within three minutes late in the game.
3’ Gharb missed a good opportunity when, following a free-kick, Damian Depasquale’s close-range effort lacked power and was saved comfortably by the goalkeeper.
21’ (Post) Zebbug were again unfortunate as Harry Paulin’s angled shot hit the post.
35’ (Penalty appeals) Zebbug appealed for a penalty when Haraan Goncalves Barbosa went to ground in the area after a personal run down the right.
38’ (1–2) Zebbug regained the lead when Haraan Goncalves Barbosa slipped the ball into the area for an unmarked Jake Sacco, who finished low past the goalkeeper.
41’ (1–3) Zebbug sealed the victory with a third goal, as Haraan Goncalves Barbosa capped a fine individual move by surprising the goalkeeper with a shot from a central position.
FT (GR 1 – ZR 3)
Referee: Steve Baldacchino
Asst. Referees: Mark Azzopardi, Milos Solakovic
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