Swieqi United suffered a setback in their promotion push, falling 2-1 to Mgarr United in a BOV Challenge League Top 8 clash at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.
Mgarr took the lead in the 26th minute through Ebisindor Christian Saint, before Luka Mijic doubled their advantage 11 minutes later. Swieqi managed to pull one back in the 67th minute via Sylvester Siaw, but it was not enough to salvage a result.
Meanwhile, in another Top 8 encounter at the Centenary Stadium, champions Valletta continued their dominant form with a 2-1 victory over Pieta’ Hotspurs. Andrei Ciolacu put Valletta ahead in the 14th minute, with Zak Barbara extending the lead in the 23rd. Pieta’ managed to reduce the deficit through Kian Leonardi in the 83rd minute, but the Citizens held on for the win.
With this result, Valletta remain top with 53 points, followed by Swieqi and Tarxien on 35. Pieta’ and Santa Lucia are tied on 31 points, while Mgarr (30), Marsa (29), and Zurrieq (28) remain in the mix.
St. Andrews and Zebbug Secure Challenge League Status
In the Play-Out section, St. Andrews, Sirens, and Zebbug Rangers confirmed their Challenge League status after crucial wins.
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, a solitary goal from Mattia Galliano early in the second half was enough to give St. Andrews a narrow victory over Mtarfa. Meanwhile, Zebbug Rangers edged past Senglea 2-1, with goals from Leo Agius (16’) and Duvan Mosquera (72’), overcoming an earlier equalizer from Douglas (29’).
Fgura continue to lead the Play-Out table with 33 points, followed by Gudja (26), St. Andrews (25), Sirens (24), Zebbug (21), Lija (15), Mtarfa (14), and Senglea (13).
Tarxien Rainbows Keep Promotion Hopes Alive with Win Over Zurrieq
Tarxien Rainbows continued their push for promotion with a 2-1 victory over Zurrieq in a BOV Challenge League Top 8 match at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.
Zachary Brincat gave Tarxien an early lead in the 4th minute and doubled their advantage in the 27th. Zurrieq managed to pull one back through Xylon Portelli two minutes from time, but Tarxien held on for the win.
Meanwhile, at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Santa Lucia secured a 3-1 victory over Marsa. Emmanuel Asante broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, and Andreas Vella extended Santa Lucia’s lead early in the second half. Jake Engerer gave Marsa hope with a goal in the 70th minute, but Salam Kojo Mawuena sealed the win for Santa Lucia with a goal deep into stoppage time.
With these results, Valletta remain at the top with 50 points, followed by Swieqi and Tarxien on 35, Pieta’ and Santa Lucia on 31, Marsa on 29, Zurrieq on 28, and Mgarr on 27.
Play-Out: Fgura and Gudja Secure Crucial Wins
In the Play-Out, Fgura United edged Lija Athletic in a thrilling 3-2 encounter at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Alan Abdel Rahman put Fgura ahead in the 29th minute, but Courage Omoruanzoje equalized early in the second half. Fgura regained control with goals from Miguel Tabone (80’) and Innocent John Awori (87’), before Erjon Beu converted a late penalty for Lija in stoppage time.
In another match, Gudja United secured a 3-2 win over Sirens. Thiago Nonato put Sirens ahead in the 24th minute, but Willian Henrique equalized just before halftime. Dale Mifsud gave Gudja the lead in the 51st minute, with Diego converting a penalty in the 90th. Sirens responded through Mark Fenech in the 96th minute, but it was too late to salvage a result.
