Balluta Barracudas stunned reigning champions Valletta St Paul’s with a 2-0 victory on matchday 11 of the MAFA First Division. The defeat leaves Valletta four points adrift of leaders Għaxaq Wolves, who were not in action this weekend.
MAFA First Division
Valletta St Paul’s 0–2 Balluta Barracudas
Balluta Barracudas recorded their seventh win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Valletta St Paul’s. The two sides had met just a week earlier in the MAFA Knock-Out, where Valletta had edged the Cudas 2-1.
This time, however, the match told a very different story. The young Balluta side capitalised on two dangerous counterattacks to claim victory.
Matthew Tortell opened the scoring in the 51st minute, before Andrew Tortell, currently leading the scoring charts, doubled the advantage ten minutes from time to seal the result.
Referee: Lorry Sammut.
Mqabba Albions 1–3 San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy
Mqabba Albion have been relegated to the Second Division following their 11th consecutive defeat, this time falling 3-1 to San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy.
The Albion have struggled to find their footing all season, while San Ġwann were determined to claim the three points that bring them closer to securing top-flight football next season.
Brice Moudounga netted twice for San Ġwann after Naeldine Dhounouraini had opened the scoring. Calvin Agius scored a consolation goal for Mqabba.
Referee: Arslan Onur.
MAFA Second Division
Valletta Stars St Dominic 4–1 Gudja Wanderers
Valletta Stars St Dominic moved one step closer to promotion to the First Division after a commanding 4-1 win over Gudja Wanderers.
The Citizens secured their eighth win of the season to extend their lead at the top of the standings.
Ian Micallef put them ahead after just ten minutes, before Federico Marine Tejada made it 2-0. Gudja pulled one back before half-time through Nadon Shimaj.
In the second half, Valletta increased their intensity and added two more goals via Tejada and Klajdi Qose.
Referee: Alper Can.
Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC 1–1 Żebbuġ Youngsters (match abandoned)
The fixture between Birżebbuġa St Peter’s and Żebbuġ Youngsters was abandoned in the 53rd minute due to a brawl that broke out on the pitch.
Before the incident, the score was level at 1-1. Birżebbuġa had taken the lead in the 26th minute through Junior Ohalewe, while an own goal by Jeremy Grixti drew Żebbuġ level early in the second half.
Referee: Peter Abela.
Attard Edex Kings 2–2 Ħamrun Amateurs
Attard Edex Kings and Ħamrun Amateurs shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in a closely contested match played on Thursday evening.
Ħamrun took the lead in the 11th minute through an own goal by Oliver Fagerdahl. Ronaldo Begombre equalised for Attard shortly after.
Luca Camilleri put Attard ahead in the second half, but Mohamed Sidibe scored a dramatic equaliser for the Amateurs just a minute from time.
Referee: Peter Abela.
MAFA Third Division
Naxxar Victorians 3–1 St Paul’s Bay NMFC
Naxxar Victorians secured their second win of the season in style with a 3-1 victory over St Paul’s Bay NMFC.
Keith Zammit Tabona gave Naxxar the lead after just eight minutes and Fabrizio Farrugia doubled it from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute. Hang Sonu Limbu pulled one back for St Paul’s Bay before half-time.
In the second half, Zammit Tabona struck again to complete his brace and secure the three points.
Referee: Thomas Debono.
STANDINGS
MAFA First Division
- Għaxaq Wolves – 28 pts
- Marsa St Michael’s – 25 pts
- Valletta St Paul’s – 24 pts
- Balluta Barracudas – 21 pts
- San Ġiljan Saints – 14 pts
- San Ġwann Pro Evolution – 12 pts
- Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers – 4 pts
- Mqabba Albions – 0 pts
MAFA Second Division
- Valletta Stars St Dominic – 21 pts
- Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC – 16 pts
- Senglea Gunners – 16 pts
- Attard Edex Kings – 15 pts
- Żebbuġ Youngsters – 13 pts
- Ħamrun Amateurs – 8 pts
- Gudja Wanderers – 6 pts
- Ħal Far Titans – 0 pts
MAFA Third Division
- Swieqi United AFC – 23 pts
- Qajjenza AFC – 14 pts
- St Paul’s Bay NMFC – 10 pts
- Naxxar Victorians – 9 pts
- Mosta Vikings – 3 pts
