Ferencvaros defeated a Gozitan selection with a large margin in an international friendly that saw the return of a foreign side on the turf of the Gozo Stadium after an absence of a number of years.  The match was played in difficult weather conditions due to the heavy rain that poured prior to the encounter.  This was definitely a deterrent that kept the Gozitan football enthusiasts from attending this historical event.  Although, as predicted, the Gozitans were no contest for the Hungarians the match offered an entertaining evening of football where the Green Eagles produced some fine play and the hosts garnered a useful experience in view of other future commitments.  Despite the heavy loss the Gozitans pulled off the satisfaction of scoring a consolation goal just few minutes after the break.

  In the starting line-up Gozo’s coach Tony Grech deployed a prudent approach with a mix of Gozitan born and foreign players from the local championship.  Goalie Mark Grima was protected by a rearguard composed of central defenders Daniel Sakic and Ferdinando Apap, while Brian Meilak and John Paul Grima covered the two sides.  Andreas Fotso and Milos Stojanovic were the two midfielders in front of the defence while Kenneth Mercieca and Ryan Grech covered the flanks.  Sabri rais and Uchenna Anyanwu were the two strikers.

  As expected the Hungarians had an aggressive start and were dangerous after two minutes of play.  Gozo’s rearguard hesitated to clear the danger but Bence Toth’s attempt was blocked in corner by Ferdinando Apap.  Gozo replied two minutes later through a long ranged strike by Brian Meilak that was neutralised by goalie Balazs Megyeri.  The visitors opened the score in the 5th minute.  Anthony Elding entered the area from the right flank, unmarked Istavan Ferenczi who placed in goal with a close ranged shot.  One minute later Gozo replied with a header by Milos Stojanovic that was neutralised by goalie Megyeri.  Minutes later the same goalkeeper was called to save a long ranged free kick by Brian Meilak. 

  On 14 minutes Denes Rosa released Bence Toth who had his attempt partially saved by goalie Mark Grima and from the resultant melee Toth’s effort was cleared off the line by Ferdinando Apap.  The Hungarians increased their pressure over Gozo’s rearguard ad doubled the score two minutes before the half hour through an excellent angled shot by Istavan Ferenczi.  Four minutes later goalie Mark Grima saved in corner another attempt by Ferenczi following a good move by Toth.  Gozo replied on 36 minutes through a counter break by Kenneth Mercieca but Uchenna Anyanwu failed to conclude.  One minute later Gozo’s keeper Grima blocked on Anthony Elding who was in an ideal position to conclude.  Five minutes form the break goalie Grima was again called to make a difficult save to turn in corner an effort by Ferenczi and one minute later Ferencavaros increased their through Bence Toth following a solo effort.

  After the break Ferencvaros maintained their pressure and in the 47th minute substitute goalkeeper Steve Sultana blocked a close ranged attempt by Elding.  The Hungarians increased the lead one minute later through Anthony Elding following a personal action.  Gozo’s scored their only goal of the match in the 51st minute.  Milos Stojanovic released substitute Rodney Buttigieg and the latter placed behind the goalkeeper with a fine shot. However, two minutes later Ferencvaros re-established the four goal difference with a tap-in by Istavan Ferenczi to conclude an inviting pass by Denes Rosa.  Just after the hour of play an effort by substitute Paul Shaw hit the post but the Hungarians increased the score on 65 minutes as substitute Mate Vass came from behind the defence and netted with a fine strike from the edge of the area.  The score became 1-7 on 75 minute through a header by substitute Men Yang from a corner action.  Nine Minutes from time Ferencvaros added another goal when substitute Bojan Mamic entered the area from the right and placed in goal with a low angled shot, with the ball hitting the post before crossing the line.  Two minutes from time Gozo could have scored a second goal but an attempt by Milos Stojanovic was blocked by goalie Megyeri.

Referee: George Portelli