BOV Challenge Cup – first semi final

Melita 3 Xewkija Tigers 1

In this first semi final of the BOV Challenge Cup, Melita faced off against Xewkija Tigers at a pristine Gozo Stadium. The St Julian’s team were the favourites although the Tigers would definitely have something to say about that.

Xewkija started strongly and had a first opportunity after just 3 minutes when Brian Parada saw his effort blocked by the Melita defence. And it was Xewkija who took the lead when Josiah Buttigieg curled a free kick which was headed home at the near post by Ian Xuereb. Melita reacted immediately but Mensah’s shot from a distance was easily saved by Adrian Parnis.

However, Melita equalised on 10 minutes when a corner by Alan Borg Olivier ended up in the net with Parnis stunned by the wickedly curling ball. Melita started creating chances and were close to adding another goal on 16 minutes when a low cross by Kurt Bondin was intercepted by Parnis with Mensah waiting to pounce.

Melita continued dominating totally and added a second on 21 minutes with an excellent header by Kevin Moreno from a cross by Barone. However after complete Melita dominance, Xewkija missed a glorious chance to draw level when Parada squared to Denzil Bugeja who shot well over the bar.

Xewkija missed a golden opportunity to equalize in first half stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, but Brian Parada saw his effort saved by Sean Mintoff. The second half began quieter with the first 15 minutes coming off without incident.

The first opportunity of the half came on 76 minutes when a shot by Angel Manuel Bustos went just over the bar as Xewkija attempted to claw back an equalizer. Melita almost made the game safe on 83 minutes when Mensah received in the box but his shot was blocked for a corner. From the same corner Melita missed an incredible chance to score but somehow, the Xewkija defence cleared the danger. Melita had another chance on 90 minutes when Andreas Vella had a fine low shot that was saved by Parnis. Deep in stoppage time Melita were awarded a penalty with Gennaro Hili sent off and Eric Mensah made no mistake from the spot to send the Amateurs into the Challenge Cup final