22 February 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 14) Gozo Stadium
Ghajnsielem FC : 3
Xewkija Tigers FC : 2
25’ (0-1) Ángel Manuel Bustos
49’ (1-1) Jhon Alejandro González Castillo
55’ (1-2) Marcelo Junior Barbosa
72’ (2-2) Deison Arvey Cuero
76’ (3-2) Joshua Buttigieg
Ghajnsielem:
R. Sammut, A. Xuereb, W. Hili, N.I. Belhadj, E.J. Spirandelli Costa (Tom Tom), J. Buttigieg, H. Muscat (M.A. Scicluna 46), J. Tabone Refalo, D. Murillo Borrero, J.A. Gonzales Castillo, D.A. Cuero.
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, J. Vella (K. Mercieca 77), I. Xuereb, J.M. Vella (J. Buttigieg 77), D. Bugeja, M.J. Barbosa, M. Said (J. Farrugia 61), G. Hili (M. Bonnici 77), A.M. Bustos, B.A. Parada, B. Armando Melo Dos Santos (Brenner).
Ghajnsielem staged a comeback to turn a defeat into a 3-2 victory over Xewkija Tigers, defeating Xewkija for the second time this season. With this win, Ghajnsielem bounced back from two consecutive losses and reignited its hopes to compete for the championship in the third and final round.
This was an important match for both teams, as they each needed the three points to keep up with league leaders Kercem Ajax. As a result, Xewkija missed out on the chance to stay just one point behind Kercem, while Ghajnsielem held on to third place, five points off the top.
The contest was fiercely fought over the 90 minutes, with the result up for grabs for much of the match. Ghajnsielem deserves credit for their perseverance, coming from behind twice and ultimately turning the score in their favour. On the other hand, Xewkija were left disappointed—not only because they finished empty-handed, but also due to repeated defensive mistakes that compromised their chances of collecting points to challenge further for the championship.
Timeline
First Half:
The first half was lively as both teams started aggressively, eager to take control early on. Xewkija managed to take the lead and, towards the end of the half, effectively managed the game to prevent their opponents from mounting a response.
1’ Xewkija nearly opened the scoring within 30 seconds, but a header by Brian Parada was saved for a corner by Ghajnsielem goalkeeper Richard Sammut.
3’ Ghajnsielem responded immediately; Jhon Gonzales, returning to the team after an injury, fired a shot from a good position just wide.
10’ Ghajnsielem again threatened as Jhon Gonzales broke into the box but was denied by a decisive intervention from Xewkija goalkeeper Adrian Parnis.
11’ Another chance for Ghajnsielem saw Ewertton Tom set up Deison Cuero in the box, but the Colombian mishit his effort and sent the ball wide.
25’ (0-1) Xewkija took the lead when, from a corner by Gennaro Hili, Brian Parada headed on, and Manuel Bustos nodded the ball into the net.
29’ Ghajnsielem’s Jhon Gonzales again got into the box, but once more was stopped from shooting by keeper Adrian Parnis, allowing the defense to clear the danger.
32’ Xewkija almost doubled their advantage as Brian Parada was left unmarked in the box, but failed to finish from close range.
HT (0-1)
Second Half:
In the second half, Ghajnsielem came out determined to get back in the game. After equalising, the match became even more intense, with both teams chasing all three points. The lead changed hands more than once, and the final result remained in doubt until the end.
1’ Xewkija goalkeeper Adrian Parnis was again called into action, saving a header from Jhon Gonzalez off a cross by Ewertton Tom, and the defence cleared for a corner.
4’ (1-1) Ghajnsielem levelled when Ewertton Tom set up Jhon Gonzalez in the box, who anticipated the goalkeeper and finished low into the net.
10’ (1-2) Xewkija regained the lead as Ghajnsielem’s defence only partially cleared a corner from Gennaro Hili, and Marcelo Barbosa surprised everyone with a first-time shot from the edge of the box that found the net.
13’ Xewkija continued to threaten through a Brian Parada header after a left-wing cross from Gennaro Hili, but the ball went wide.
20’ Ghajnsielem replied with a shot from Ewertton Tom, which was neutralised by Xewkija keeper Adrian Parnis.
27’ (2-2) Ghajnsielem equalised for the second time when Jhon Gonzales blocked the goalkeeper’s clearance in front of the goalmouth, and Deison Cuero took the opportunity to fire in the net at the second attempt.
31’ (3-2) Ghajnsielem turned the match around as, from a counterattack, Ewertton Tom set up Joshua Buttigieg, who finished low into the net.
39’ Xewkija nearly equalised, but a good chance for Manuel Bustos flew over the bar.
45+3’ Xewkija had one last opportunity to save the result, but a cross-shot from Brian Parada landed on the roof of the net.
FT (GHJ 3 – XT 2)
Referee: Emanuel Grech
Asst. Referees: Danilo Francalanza, Vasil Vasilev
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