14 March 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd (MD 13) Kercem Stadium
Gharb Rangers FC : 0
Sannat Lions FC : 1
42’ (0-1) penalty Paul Said
Gharb R:
E. Bajada, A. Sultana, S. Sillato (J.G. Vella 64), T. Axiak, O. Cremona, K. Hili (E. Bugeja 73), D. Hili, L. Sultana (D. Depasquale 64), G. Dias Nascimento De Freitas, J. Pace, D. Farrugia.
Sannat L:
L. Xuereb, J. Axiak, D. Galea, C. Gauci, P. Said, S.F. Bajada, T. Grech, A. Azzopardi, J. Vella (J.W. Meilak 75), C. Buttigieg (N. Grima 57), I. Nedeljkovic (K. Calleja 28’).
In the most important match from the 13th round of the Second Division league, Sannat Lions earned three crucial points with a 1–0 victory over Gharb Rangers. With each team now having two matches left to play, this result places Sannat and St Lawrence Spurs jointly at the top of the standings, while Gharb Rangers have been mathematically eliminated from the promotion race.
This match lived up to expectations, as both teams appeared determined to secure the three points. Prior to this encounter, Sannat and Gharb were locked in a close promotion battle together with St Lawrence Spurs. Sannat were more adventurous in the early stages, but Gharb recovered well and, as time passed, the match became increasingly lively. The top-of-the-table clash was ultimately decided by a penalty scored shortly before half-time. The second half was somewhat tense, but the score remained unchanged.
Timeline
First Half:
Sannat started aggressively, but Gharb were very organised in defence. As time went on, play became concentrated mostly in midfield, with few clear chances at either end.
2’ Sannat created the first serious chance of the match, but Igor Nedeljkovic’s shot was turned into a corner by goalkeeper Etienne Bajada. From the resulting corner taken by Aaron Azzopardi, Carl Gauci’s header finished just wide.
17’ Gharb responded with a shot from Luke Sultana that was saved by Sannat goalkeeper Lorjean Xuereb.
37’ Gharb goalkeeper Etienne Bajada produced an important save to push away a free kick taken by Paul Said.
41’ (0–1) Penalty Gharb opened the scoring. Paul Said’s first shot was partially saved by goalkeeper Etienne Bajada, but the keeper then fouled Julian Vella as he went for the rebound. The referee awarded a penalty, and Paul Said converted from the spot.
45+3’ Gharb went close to an equaliser, but a close-range effort by Luke Sultana was blocked by goalkeeper Lorjean Xuereb.
HT (0–1)
Second Half
Gharb started the second half with determination and increased their efforts to recover the deficit, forcing Sannat to defend with more players and rely on occasional counterattacks. Gharb failed to capitalise on several scoring opportunities, allowing Sannat to protect their lead until the final whistle.
7’ (goal disallowed) Gharb appeared to have equalised when Samuel Sillato’s shot ended up in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
23’ (crossbar) Gharb were unlucky when, from a free kick by Joseph George Vella, a close-range effort by Anthony Sultana struck the upright with the goalkeeper beaten.
44’ Sannat could have sealed the match when Aaron Azzopardi broke forward from midfield, but the goalkeeper rushed out in time and cleared the danger on the edge of the box.
FT (GR 0 – SL 1)
Referee: Igor Kankaras
Asst. Referees: Sara Kankaras, Thomas Poyntz
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