Meridianbet FA Trophy: Gozitan sides shine as Qala Saints hit five past Żebbuġ Rangers

Gozitan side Qala Saints produced the standout performance of Saturday’s Meridianbet FA Trophy Preliminary Round matches, defeating BOV Challenge League opponents Żebbuġ Rangers with a commanding 5-0 victory.

The match at the Centenary Stadium was largely dominated by the Gozitans. Joseph Zammit opened the scoring for Qala in the 9th minute, and Ibrahim Mohammed doubled their lead just before halftime in the 44th minute. Mohammed was the star of the show, completing his hat-trick with goals in the 57th and 75th minutes. Gabriel Cardona also added his name to the scoresheet in the 73rd minute, extending the lead as Qala sealed their place in the next round.

Qala Saints will now face Mġarr United in the Round of 32.

In another significant result for the Gozo Football Association, Xewkija Tigers caused an upset by eliminating BOV Challenge League joint-leaders Melita 1-0 after extra time at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

The match remained goalless throughout regulation time. With penalties looming, Brenner scored the crucial, solitary goal in the 119th minute to send the Tigers through to the next stage, where they will face Żabbar St. Patrick.

Two other preliminary round matches saw more Challenge League action.

At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Santa Lucia edged out Sirens 2-1 in a tight contest. Masaaki Takahara gave Santa Lucia an early lead on 13 minutes. Jean Carlos converted a penalty two minutes before the end of the first half. Isaac Schembri pulled one back for Sirens three minutes into added time, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Santa Lucia from advancing. They are set to face Fgura United in the Round of 32.

Meanwhile, at the Centenary Stadium, St. Andrews defeated Vittoriosa Stars 3-0. Mattia Galliano put the Saints ahead in the 16th minute. Jeff Jadyn Sowah doubled the lead in the 71st minute, and three minutes later, Andrej Nakov sealed the victory with the third goal. St. Andrews will meet Gżira United in the Round of 32.