3 October 2025
GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (Final) Gozo Stadium
Zebbug Rovers FC : 2
Sannat Lions FC : 1
After Extra Time
56’ (1-0) Harry Paulin
69’ (1-1) Paul Said
94’ (2-1) penalty Haraan Hajazan Goncalves Barbosa
Zebbug R:
A. Brignoli, P. Spiteri, G. Portelli, B. Camilleri (K. Sciberras 75), H.H. Goncalves Barbosa (O. Mercieca 115), H. Paulin, N.J. Cini, J. Sacco, L. Portelli, N. Cassar, J. Buttigieg (L. Galea 119).
Sannat L:
K. Attard, J. Axiak, D. Galea, J.W. Meilak (E. Gauci 81), P. Said, S.F. Bajada, T. Grech (N. Grima 65), K. Calleja (E. Bennici 46), A. Azzopardi, S. Curm (C. Buttigieg 46)i, I. Nedeljkovic.
Zebbug Rovers lifted the first Second Division honour of the season after defeating Sannat Lions 2–1 after extra time in the final of the Second Division Challenge Cup.
Sannat went into the final as favourites to win the trophy, but they appeared unsettled on the day as a determined Zebbug side rose to the occasion and ultimately surprised their opponents with a decisive goal in extra time.
The match was heavily influenced by strong wind conditions, with each team enjoying periods of territorial superiority in different phases of the game. For long stretches, both defences successfully neutralised the opposing attacks, leaving the outcome in doubt and making extra time a fitting conclusion to the final. Zebbug struck early in extra time, and from that moment on Sannat struggled to recover, finding it difficult to create clear-cut chances in front of goal.
Following the final whistle, medals and the Challenge Cup trophy were presented by Gozo Football Association Vice President Michael Angelo Grech, together with Association General Secretary Tony Grech.
Timeline
First Half:
Zebbug started the match more aggressively but failed to capitalise on a number of promising opportunities. As the half progressed, Sannat gradually pushed forward from defence and began to share possession, with the opening period ending goalless.
10’ Zebbug appealed for a penalty when Gonçalves Barbosa went down inside the area under pressure from a defender.
12’ Gonçalves Barbosa had another chance from a good position, but his effort went wide.
20’ Sannat responded with a close-range attempt by Igor Nedeljković, which was saved with some difficulty in two attempts by Zebbug goalkeeper Angelo Brignoli.
29’ Zebbug threatened again, but Gonçalves Barbosa’s header missed the target.
30’ Sannat replied immediately with a low shot by Igor Nedeljkovic aimed at the far post, which went wide.
HT (0-0)
Second Half:
Sannat emerged for the second half intent on taking greater control of the game, but Zebbug defended well and remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Zebbug took the lead early in the half, only for Sannat to respond and restore parity, setting up a tense finish that ultimately led to extra time.
11’ (1–0) Zebbug broke the deadlock when Nathan John Cini’s shot was blocked inside the area and Harry Paulin reacted quickest to fire the rebound into the roof of the net.
14’ Zebbug goalkeeper Angelo Brignoli made an important save to turn a close-range effort by substitute Cyriel Buttigieg behind for a corner.
18’ Sannat went close through Aaron Azzopardi, whose shot flew over the crossbar.
24’ (1–1) Sannat equalised with a long-range free kick by Paul Said that deceived the goalkeeper and ended up in the net.
37’ Brignoli produced a fine save to turn Aaron Azzopardi’s direct corner onto the post and out for another corner. From the resulting set piece, Sam Frank Bajada headed just wide.
38’ Zebbug responded immediately, with Gonçalves Barbosa’s close-range effort cleared off the line by defender John Axiak after the goalkeeper had been beaten.
90 mins. (1-1)
Extra Time
First Period:
The tempo remained high in extra time, with Zebbug scoring early and growing in confidence, while Sannat appeared increasingly disorganised in their response.
2’ (2–1) penalty Zebbug regained the lead from the penalty spot after Gonçalves Barbosa was brought down by the goalkeeper. Although the initial effort ended in the net, the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken, and Gonçalves Barbosa calmly converted from the spot.
13’ Sannat came close to equalising when Igor Nedeljkovic’s direct free kick narrowly missed the target.
15’ Zebbug threatened again through an angled shot by Nathan John Cini, which struck the side netting.
15+1’ Brignoli made a crucial save to deny Igor Nedeljkovic from a good position, then reacted quickly to deal with the danger from the ensuing corner.
HT Extra Time (2–1)
Second Period:
1’ Zebbug almost sealed the win when Jake Sacco dispossessed a defender and rounded the goalkeeper, but hesitated and allowed the keeper to recover and block the effort for a corner.
FT a.e.t. (ZR 2 – SL 1)
Referee: Adam Brighton
Asst. Referees: Kyle Cilia, Zak Anastasi
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