30 January 2026

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 11) Gozo Stadium

Ghajnsielm Defeat the Wanderers to Retain Title Credentials

SK Victoria Wanderers FC : 2

Ghajnsielem FC : 4

16’ (0-1) Alberto Xuereb

27’ (0-2) Ewertton Jose Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom)

59’ (1-2) penalty Ender Duvan Alvarez Vielma

61’ (2-2) Emerson Zammit

65’ (2-3) Deison Cuero

82’ (2-4) Ewertton Jose Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom)

SK Victoria W:

O. Xuereb, N. Camilleri, M. Cordina, M.L. Amodu, E. Zammit, E.D. Alvarez Vielma, S. Harland (J. Bugeja 84’), J.M. Pena Ferrucho, K. Grima (A. Touarha 53), O. Fenech, L. Fenech.

Ghajnsielem:

R. Sammut, A. Xuereb, P. Rapa (M. Bezzina 71), W. Hili, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), J. Buttigieg (J. Vella 89), H. Muscat (M.A. Scicluna 65), J. Tabone Refalo, D. Murillo Borrero, D.A. Cuero, A.D. Jok.

In the opening match of the weekend from the top flight, Ghajnsielem defeated SK Victoria Wanderers 4–2 to move to the top of the standings, one point ahead of Kercem Ajax and two points clear of Xewkija Tigers, with all three teams having played the same number of matches. In this encounter, Ghajnsielem continued to consolidate their strong start to the season, securing positive results through solid defensive organisation and an effective attacking approach, which has so far earned them seven wins from nine matches. With this result, Ghajnsielem now enter the most decisive phase of the championship with increased motivation, believing they can be serious challengers to opponents who were considered stronger favourites at the start of the season.

Ghajnsielem had already beaten SK Victoria Wanderers 4–1 in the first-round encounter and therefore started this match determined to collect all three points. The Wanderers, on the other hand, were eager to make amends for that earlier defeat and adopted an adventurous approach, despite being without several regular players due to suspension.

From the opening minutes, the match promised to be a closely fought contest, but Ghajnsielem made better use of their chances and went into the break with a two-goal advantage. In the second half, Ghajnsielem had to withstand an early reaction from Victoria, but they showed character, regained the lead and eventually secured a deserved victory by a two-goal margin.

Victoria, who handed a debut to Juan Peña, tried to get back into the match in the early stages of the second half and managed to overturn a two-goal deficit. However, they were unable to maintain the momentum, committing defensive errors that cost them the chance of earning at least a point from this encounter. In the final stages, Victoria appeared demoralised as Ghajnsielem took better control of proceedings and held on to the 4–2 scoreline until the final whistle.

Timeline

First Half:

For much of the opening half the game was lively, with action at both ends, but Ghajnsielem were more clinical, scoring twice while largely keeping Victoria at bay.

1’ Victoria goalkeeper Omar Xuereb was alert to save a header by Atem Jok following a cross from Ewertton Tom. From the resulting corner, Daniel Murillo’s effort hit the side netting.
5’ Victoria responded with a shot by Juan Peña, which was deflected for a corner.
7’ Victoria looked dangerous when Mustapha Amodu found space, but the move was halted for offside.

9’ Ghajnsielem replied through Ewertton Tom, who broke down the left but saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Omar Xuereb.

16’ (0–1) Ghajnsielem opened the scoring when Alberto Xuereb struck a cross-shot from the left that surprised the goalkeeper and ended up in the net.

18’ Ghajnsielem continued to press, with a shot by Ewertton Tom going over the bar.
27’ (0–2) Ghajnsielem doubled their lead as Ewertton Tom won possession in midfield, advanced and beat the goalkeeper with a shot into the corner.

31’ Ghajnsielem goalkeeper Richard Sammut was called into action to save a shot by Mustapha Amodu.

32’ (disallowed goal) Ghajnsielem thought they had increased their lead, but after a corner, the final effort was ruled out for offside.

35’ (penalty appeals) Victoria appealed for a penalty when Mustapha Amodu went down in the area while under pressure.

36’ Victoria threatened again through a shot by Juan Peña, but the ball went high.
45’ (penalty appeals) The Wanderers again appealed for a penalty when defender Wayne Hili blocked Ender Vielma inside the area.

HT (0-2)

Second Half:

The match became far more open after the interval. SK Victoria Wanderers managed to cancel out the two-goal deficit early in the half, but just as the contest appeared to be wide open, Ghajnsielem capitalised on defensive inexperience to regain the lead and then controlled the game until they sealed the three points with a fourth goal.

1’ The Wanderers nearly scored just 13 seconds into the half, but Mustapha Amodu’s effort from a good position was well blocked by goalkeeper Richard Sammut.

8’ Victoria threatened again when Ender Vielma entered the area, rounded the goalkeeper, but saw his shot hit the side netting.

12’ (1–2) Penalty – Victoria reduced the deficit after a foul by Deison Cuero on Juan Peña, with Ender Vielma converting from the spot.

16’ (2–2) The Wanderers continued to push and drew level through a shot by Emerson Zammit that took a deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and ending up in the net.
23’ (2–3) Ghajnsielem responded immediately as Victoria failed to clear their lines, allowing Deison Cuero to gain possession and beat the goalkeeper with a low shot.
27’ Victoria threatened again, but a free kick by Matthias Cordina went wide.
34’ Victoria goalkeeper Omar Xuereb rushed out to deny Atem Jok, then recovered to save a lob by Ewertton Tom that was heading towards an empty net.

37’ (2–4) Ghajnsielem sealed the victory when a poor clearance by the Victoria goalkeeper was intercepted by Ewertton Tom, who entered the area and finished with a lob from a tight angle.

FT (SKVW 2 – GHJ 4)

Referee: Andrea Naudi

Asst. Referees: Rapjan Xhyra, Patrick Falzon