The semi-finalists of the 2025 BOV Challenge Cup have been confirmed, with Pietà Hotspurs, Tarxien Rainbows, Valletta, and Żurrieq emerging victorious from Saturday’s quarter-final clashes.
At the Centenary Stadium, BOV Challenge League champions Valletta put on a dominant display, brushing aside Lija Athletic with a resounding 6-0 win. The rout began early, with James Scicluna opening the scoring just three minutes in, followed by Andrei Ciolacu doubling the lead on 19 minutes. Before the break, Andrea Zammit made it 3-0. In the second half, Zak Barbara netted twice (47’, 71’) before Paul Lapira rounded off the emphatic win ten minutes from time.
Over at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Pietà Hotspurs edged a five-goal thriller against Marsa, clinching a dramatic 3-2 win thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Arthur Stelmach. Stelmach had earlier opened the scoring on 6 minutes, only for Claudir to equalise shortly after. Kian Leonardi restored Pietà’s lead just before halftime, but Renan Sgaria brought Marsa level again midway through the second half. However, it was Stelmach who had the final say, sealing Pietà’s spot in the semis at the death.
Żurrieq booked their semi-final ticket with a solid 2-0 win over Santa Lucia, also at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Goals from Glamour Eziefula Chibueze (42’) and Sulahmana Mamadu Bah (68’) proved enough to secure the victory.
Meanwhile, Tarxien Rainbows overcame a late scare to defeat Mgarr United 3-2 in another action-packed tie at the Centenary Stadium. Dacosta Boadu struck first for Tarxien on 16 minutes, but Dejan Vukovic equalised just before halftime. Claudio Murici regained the lead on the hour, and Zachary Brincat added a third in the 89th minute. Kyle Frendo pulled one back for Mgarr deep into stoppage time, but it was too late to mount a full comeback.
BOV Challenge Cup Semi-Final Fixtures – Thursday, Centenary Stadium:
- Zurrieq vs Valletta – Kick-off at 18:15
- Tarxien Rainbows vs Pietà Hotspurs – Kick-off at 20:45
With four in-form sides battling for a place in the final, Thursday promises to deliver more exciting cup action.
