29 March 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 15) Kercem Stadium
Oratory Youths FC : 0
Sannat Lions FC : 6
35’ (0-1) Igor Nedeljkovic
42’ (0-2) Igor Nedeljkovic
45’ (0-3) Keiran Calleja
47’ (0-4) Igor Nedeljkovic
67’ (0-5) Igor Nedeljkovic
88’ (0-6) Nicholas Grima
Oratory Y:
P. Cremona, C. Farrugia, E. Refalo (R. Curmi 76), G. Portelli, A. Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho), K. Farrugia, J. Xerri (Z. Azzopardi 76), G. Ellis, C. Hili, D. Saliba, S. Attard.
Sannat L:
L. Xuereb, J. Axiak, D. Galea, C. Gauci, E. Gauci (W. debono 69), P. Said, (J.W. Meilak 56) S.F. Bajada, K. Calleja (N. Grima 69), A. Azzopardi (T. Azzopardi 56), C. Buttigieg (M. Vella 56), I. Nedeljkovic.
In the opening match of the final matchday of the Second Division championship, Sannat Lions secured a convincing 6–0 victory over Oratory Youths to collect the points they needed to mathematically clinch the league title. As a result, Sannat Lions will return to the First Division next season after spending three consecutive campaigns in the Second Division.
Sannat required at least a draw from this encounter to be certain of winning the championship, but they approached the match determined to secure a victory and avoid any potential surprise from Oratory Youths, who had won the first-round encounter between the two sides. Oratory, on the other hand, tried to make life difficult for their more highly rated opponents and showed confidence in the early stages, hoping to achieve a positive result that would help them avoid finishing at the bottom of the table.
However, Sannat struck three goals in the latter stages of the first half and continued to control the match thereafter, adding further goals before the final whistle, allowing their supporters to begin the celebrations early. The standout performer in this victory was striker Igor Nedeljkovic, who scored four goals and moved to the top of the Second Division scoring chart with 23 goals, one more than Felipe Augusto of St Lawrence Spurs, who has 22.
Following the final whistle, Sannat Lions were presented with the Second Division champions’ trophy and medals by Gozo Football Association President Dr Samuel Azzopardi, amid celebrations by the large contingent of Sannat Lions supporters present at Kercem Stadium.
Timeline
First Half:
As expected, Sannat took the initiative from the outset, while Oratory remained well organised defensively and made it difficult for their opponents to find space. As the match progressed, Oratory grew in confidence, but Sannat continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock, easing the pressure and adding two more goals shortly before the break.
21’ (Post) Sannat’s first serious attempt came from a free kick by Paul Said, which was turned out for a corner by goalkeeper Paul Cremona. From the resulting corner, also taken by Said, the ball struck the post.
31’ Sannat missed a good opportunity when Paul Said played the ball into the box, but his shot was deflected by the defence. Eric Gauci followed up, only for Paul Cremona to rush off his line and block the danger.
35’ (0–1) Sannat opened the scoring when, from a throw-in by Aaron Azzopardi, Igor Nedeljkovic rose highest to head the ball into the net.
42’ (0–2) Sannat doubled their lead as Keiran Calleja crossed from the right and Igor Nedeljkovic anticipated the defence, evaded a defender, and finished from close range.
45’ (0–3) Sannat added a third goal when, following another throw-in, Oratory failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Keiran Calleja, who finished from close range.
HT (0-3)
Second Half:
Sannat continued to press at the start of the second half and, after scoring a fourth goal, reduced the intensity while comfortably managing the match. They added further goals to complete the championship in emphatic fashion.
2’ (0–4) Sannat extended their lead when Carl Gauci launched the ball forward from defence and Igor Nedeljkovic took possession before delicately lobbing the goalkeeper, who had rushed off his line.
8’ Sannat nearly added another goal, but a second lob attempt by Nedeljkovic from a good position went over the crossbar.
22’ (0–5) Sannat converted their dominance into a fifth goal as Igor Nedeljkovic finished into the corner, completing his personal four-goal haul and reclaiming top spot in the Second Division scorers’ table with 23 goals.
43’ (0–6) Sannat sealed the victory with a sixth goal scored by substitute Nicholas Grima, who advanced into the box and surprised the Oratory goalkeeper with a well-placed half-volley.
FT (OY 0 – SL 6)
Referee: Anthony Paul Vella
Asst. Referees: Henrey Nana Kwasi Adjei, Zak Anastasi,
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