8 February 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 12) Gozo Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 0
Qala Saints FC: 2
9’ (0-1) Bruno Da Cruz
68’ (0-2) Wallisson Alberto Dantas Dos Santos (Bahia)
90’ (red card) Wayne Hili (GHJ)
Ghajnsielem:
R. Sammut, A. Xuereb, P. Rapa (M.A. Scicluna 78), W. Hili, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), J. Buttigieg, H. Muscat (M. Bezzina 69), J. Tabone Refalo, D. Murillo Borrero, D.A. Cuero, A.D. Jok.
Qala S:
O. Attard, N. Inguanez, J. Buttigieg, J.A. Ferreira Dos Santos (Sergipe), M. Buttigieg (J. Parnis 69), W.A. Dantas Dos Santos (Bahia), J. Zammit (K. Mifsud 87), E. Buttigieg, N.C. Njoku, B. Da Cruz, G. Martins Leite Carrara.
Qala Saints continued to recover from the disappointing run of results they registered in the first round and have effectively rejoined the leading pack after their 2-0 victory over Ghajnsielem. As a result, the top four teams in the standings — including Ghajnsielem and Qala — are separated by just four points, with eight matches remaining until the end of the championship.
This match was a direct clash between title contenders. Ghajnsielem could have gone top of the table with a win, while Qala needed all three points to continue defending the championship they won last season. The encounter developed into a competitive battle, but Qala appeared more disciplined in defence and more effective in attack, earning a deserved victory with one goal in each half.
On the other hand, Ghajnsielem disappointed in this important fixture and suffered their second defeat of the season against Qala. Defensive errors proved costly, leading to the decisive goals, while they lacked attacking sharpness, making it increasingly difficult to salvage the result.
Timeline
First Half:
The opening half was closely contested, with both teams attempting to take control. Qala created the better scoring opportunities early on and were deservedly ahead, although Ghajnsielem increased their efforts towards the end of the half in search of an equaliser but failed to capitalise on their chances.
7’ Qala had the first attempt on goal when Wallisson “Bahia” struck following a counterattack, but goalkeeper Richard Sammut was alert and saved for a corner. From the resulting corner, Junior Sergipe’s header was comfortably gathered by the Ghajnsielem goalkeeper.
9’ (0-1) Qala opened the scoring when Gilberto Carrara delivered a cross to Bruno Da Cruz, who combined with Wallisson Bahia inside the area. Bahia maintained possession and finished from close range.
26’ Qala were dangerous again through a free-kick by Bruno Da Cruz, but the ball went over.
33’ Carrara made a strong individual run from the left, but his shot was saved by Richard Sammut.
34’ Ghajnsielem had their first real attempt through an initiative by Atem Jok, who crossed from the right, but Joshua Buttigieg headed over from close range.
36’ (Penalty appeals) Qala goalkeeper Owen Attard blocked a free-kick from Deison Cuero. From the resulting counterattack, Bruno Da Cruz was brought down in the area by Cuero, with appeals for a handball in the build-up.
42’ Ghajnsielem had their last opportunity of the half to equalise when Deison Cuero headed towards goal from an Ewertton Tom cross, but the effort was deflected for a corner.
HT (0-1)
Second Half:
Qala started the second half strongly and took control, while Ghajnsielem continued to struggle to create real danger. Qala doubled their lead midway through the half and managed the advantage professionally until the final whistle.
5’ Qala could have increased the pressure when Ghajnsielem’s defence failed to clear a throw-in from Carrara, but Junior Sergipe failed to connect and the ball went wide.
23’ (0-2) Qala doubled their lead when Wallisson Bahia capitalised on a defensive error in midfield, advanced into the area, rounded the goalkeeper and finished low into the net.
28’ Richard Sammut produced a good save to block another attempt by Bahia after a poor defensive clearance.
34’ In another dangerous move, Carrara’s low shot towards the far post went wide.
45’ (Red Card) Ghajnsielem were reduced to ten men when Wayne Hili was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul in midfield.
FT (GHJ 0 – QS 2)
Referee: Alex Johnson
Asst. Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Kurt Saliba
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