Gudja United booked their place in the quarter-finals of the BOV Challenge Cup after coming from behind to defeat Vittoriosa Stars 2–1 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The match proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides showing determination in a competition where progression is paramount. Gudja enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, pressing high and looking to impose their tempo, but Vittoriosa remained organised at the back and dangerous on the counter-attack.

As the first half progressed, clear-cut chances were at a premium. Gudja attempted to break the deadlock through patient build-up play, while the Stars relied on quick transitions to test the opposition defence.

Just when it seemed the teams would head into the interval level, Vittoriosa struck a crucial blow. One minute from the end of the first half, Fred Kessie capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire the Stars into the lead, giving his side a valuable advantage at the break.

Gudja responded positively after the restart and began the second half with greater urgency. Their persistence paid off six minutes in when Tobi Akiti found space inside the area and calmly slotted home the equaliser, restoring parity and shifting momentum firmly in Gudja’s favour.

With confidence growing, Gudja pushed forward in search of the winner, forcing Vittoriosa deeper into their own half. The breakthrough arrived ten minutes from time when Haruna Shola Shodija rose to the occasion, finishing clinically to complete the turnaround and put Gudja 2–1 ahead.

Vittoriosa attempted to mount a late response, committing players forward in the closing stages, but Gudja held firm defensively to see out the result and secure their passage into the last eight.

The victory keeps Gudja United’s Challenge Cup hopes alive as they now look ahead to the quarter-final stage with renewed belief.