10 September 2025
GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (QF) Gozo Stadium
St Lawrence Spurs FC : 1
Sannat Lions FC : 1
Sannat Lions win 5-4 on penalties
53’ (1-0) Gabriel Debrincat
67’ (1-1) Igor Nedeljkovic
St Lawrence S:
J. Micallef, N. Haber, C. Grima, J.M. Portelli (D. Micallef 106), J. Grima, G. Debrincat, S. Farrugia (M. Xuereb 46), C. Farrugia, D. Azzopardi (D. Atzori 120), E.R. Okpokwu, J. Saliba J. Xuereb 99).
Sannat L:
K. Attard, J. Axiak, D. Galea, J.W. Meilak, K. Calleja, P. Said (M. Vella 84), E. Bennici (W. Debono 84), A. Azzopardi, S.F. Bajada, I. Nedeljkovic, C. Gauci.
The second quarter-final of the Second Division Challenge Cup proved far more competitive than expected, as hot favourites Sannat Lions were forced to rely on a penalty shoot-out to secure their place in the semi-finals, edging out a determined St Lawrence Spurs side.
Sannat enjoyed greater territorial dominance in the opening stages of the match, but St Lawrence were well organised defensively and grew into the game as time progressed. The Spurs matched their more fancied opponents in possession and created a number of dangerous situations of their own. However, both teams struggled in front of goal, with erratic finishing ensuring that qualification remained finely balanced throughout the contest.
St Lawrence appeared on course for a surprise victory when they took the lead early in the second half. Sannat, however, showed resilience and composure, recovering the deficit to force the match into extra time. With neither side able to find a decisive goal during the additional period, the tie was ultimately settled by penalties.
In the shoot-out, Sannat converted five of their six attempts, while St Lawrence missed two of their six penalties, sealing Sannat’s progression to the semi-finals.
Timeline
First Half:
Sannat attempted to impose themselves from the opening minutes, but St Lawrence remained compact and successfully neutralised their opponents’ attacking play. The match was evenly contested, with both teams enjoying periods of control, yet neither side managed to capitalise on their chances as the forwards lacked sharpness in front of goal.
HT (0-0)
Second Half:
St Lawrence made a stronger start after the break and were rewarded with the opening goal. Sannat responded positively and restored parity midway through the half. The remainder of regular time was keenly contested, with opportunities at both ends, but the score remained unchanged.
8’ (1–0) St Lawrence took the lead through Gabriel Debrincat.
22’ (1–1) Sannat drew level when Igor Nedeljkovic finished off a sustained spell of pressure.
90 mins. (1-1)
Extra Time:
Extra time continued in the same balanced manner, with both sides creating promising chances but failing to make the most of them. With the score still level at the end of 120 minutes, the outcome was decided by a penalty shoot-out.
120 mins. (1-1)
Penalties:
St Lawrence:
Scored: Charlon Farrugia, Gabriel Debrincat, Ebube Ralph Okpokwu, Daniel Atzori; Missed: James Grima and Michael Xuereb.
Sannat Lions:
Scored: Carl Gauci, David Galea, Sam-Frank Bajada, Igor Nedeljkovic, John Axiak; Missed: Aaron Azzopardi
FT a.e.t. (1-1)
Penalties: SL vs SLS 5-4
Referee: Darko Stojanovic
Asst. Referees: David Cilia, Raymond Tabone
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