Ghajnsielem Secure First Division Status with Convincing 4-1 Win Over Sannat Lions
GFA Gozo Football League Play-Off – Saturday, 19 April 2025 – Gozo Stadium.
Ghajnsielem FC 4–1 Sannat Lions FC.
Referee: Daniel Portelli.
Ghajnsielem FC delivered a commanding performance to retain their place in the GFA First Division, defeating Second Division hopefuls Sannat Lions FC 4-1 in the crucial promotion/relegation play-off held at the Gozo Stadium.
The Black Knights wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just two minutes in, they were awarded a penalty, confidently converted by Brazilian striker Marcus Vinicius Claudino Ramos (Choco) to open the scoring.
In the 12th minute, Naim Ibrahim Belhadj doubled their lead with a well-taken goal. This set the tone for what would be a difficult afternoon for Sannat.
Despite the setback, Sannat Lions clawed one back through Aud-Gustine James Obaje in the 19th minute, giving them a glimmer of hope. However, their task became significantly harder when Tristan Grech was shown a straight red card in the 37th minute.
Ghajnsielem took full advantage in the second half. Esneider Antonio Daza Carranza made it 3-1 in the 54th minute with a composed strike. Kaio Lucas Nunes Santos capped off the scoring in the 70th minute, sealing the result and Ghajnsielem’s First Division survival.
With this result, Ghajnsielem FC will continue to compete in the GFA First Division next season. On the other hand, Sannat Lions FC will remain in the Second Division, having fallen short in their bid for promotion.
SK Victoria Wanderers Crowned GFA 1st Division KO Champions After Dominating Xaghra United
GFA 1st Division KO Final – Saturday, 19 April 2025 – Gozo Stadium.
SK Victoria Wanderers FC 3-0 Xaghra United FC.
Referee: Philip Farrugia.
SK Victoria Wanderers FC claimed the GFA 1st Division KO trophy with a commanding 3-0 victory over Xaghra United FC in the final at Gozo Stadium. The Wanderers were in control from start to finish. Igor Henrique Da Silva Costa delivered a brace in the first half to give his side a comfortable lead.
The match started at a lively pace, and it was SK Victoria Wanderers who struck first in the 24th minute. Da Silva Costa found the back of the net with a clinical finish, putting the Wanderers ahead early on. Xaghra United struggled to find a response, with SK Victoria looking the more dangerous side throughout the opening stages.
Just 14 minutes later, Da Silva Costa doubled his tally and extended the lead for the Wanderers. In the 38th minute, he finished off a well-worked move to make it 2-0. This put SK Victoria in a commanding position heading into the break.
Xaghra United lose chance to get back in the match
Xaghra United had a golden opportunity to get back into the match just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time. However, Caique Silvio Souza Da Silva, stepping up to take the spot-kick, saw the Wanderers’ goalkeeper saved it, and the score remained 2-0 at the half.
The second half saw Xaghra United trying to mount a comeback Their hopes were dashed in the 89th minute when Steve Sultana received a red card for a late challenge, reducing Xaghra to ten men.
In the dying seconds of the match, SK Victoria Wanderers sealed their victory with a third goal. In the 90+6’ minute, Sam Harland found the back of the net to complete the 3-0 scoreline, and secure the trophy for his side.
It was a dominant performance by SK Victoria Wanderers, who added another trophy to their collection with an impressive display in the KO final, while Xaghra United will reflect on missed opportunities and a frustrating end to the match.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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