A dramatic goal in injury time secured a crucial victory for Għaxaq Wolves, as they edged past Balluta Barracudas with a 3-2 win to strengthen their lead at the top of the MAFA First Division table.
Għaxaq Wolves 3-2 Balluta Barracudas
In a thrilling encounter, Għaxaq Wolves had to fight from behind twice against a resilient Balluta Barracudas side before clinching victory in the dying moments.
Balluta took the lead in the 58th minute through Andrew Tortell, only for Sebastian Nayar to bring Għaxaq level shortly after. The Barracudas responded swiftly with Anthony Bartolo restoring their advantage, but the Wolves displayed remarkable resilience, turning the score around in added time. Igor Misan equalized in the 70th minute before Fernando Goncalves struck the decisive goal three minutes later to complete a dramatic comeback.
Despite their commendable effort, Balluta Barracudas were left empty-handed, but they can take pride in what was arguably their best performance of the season.
San Ġwann Pro Evolution Academy 3-3 San Ġiljan Saints
San Ġwann Pro Evolution and San Ġiljan Saints shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw that saw both teams display attacking intent.
San Ġiljan dominated the early exchanges, racing into a 3-0 lead through goals from Robert Veskimae (penalty), Claude Jansen, and Roel Tusha. However, San Ġwann managed to reduce the deficit before the break thanks to Thomas Bertrand.
The second half saw a determined fightback from San Ġwann, with goals from Landry Loic Mebanda and Naeldine Dhounouraini ensuring a hard-earned point.
Żebbuġ Youngsters 2-2 Ħamrun Amateurs
The MAFA Second Division encounter between Żebbuġ Youngsters and Ħamrun Amateurs ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams settling for a point after an evenly contested match.
Żebbuġ took an early lead through Kebba Darboe, but Ħamrun responded well, equalising through Matthew Coleiro and taking the lead via Martin Busuttil. Just when it seemed like the Amateurs would take all three points, Żebbuġ found a last-minute equaliser through Bilaly Ceesay.
Mosta Vikings 2-3 St Paul’s Bay NMFC
St Paul’s Bay NMFC secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Mosta Vikings in a bottom-of-the-table clash in the MAFA Third Division.
The visitors took a commanding 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Sonam Gurung and Bishal Khawash. Mosta fought back in the second half with a goal from Nathan Sciberras, but Bishal struck again to restore the two-goal advantage. Mosta’s Jeremy Ellul scored a late consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.
MAFA League Standings
First Division
- Għaxaq Wolves – 22 points
- Valletta St Paul’s – 18 points
- Marsa St Michael’s – 16 points
- Balluta Barracudas – 12 points
- San Ġiljan Saints – 8 points
- San Ġwann Pro Evolution – 6 points
- Ta’ Ġiorni Wanderers – 4 points
- Mqabba Albions – 0 points
Second Division
- Valletta Stars St Dominic – 16 points
- Senglea Gunners – 14 points
- Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC – 12 points
- Attard Edex Kings – 12 points
- Żebbuġ Youngsters – 10 points
- Ħamrun Amateurs – 6 points
- Gudja Wanderers – 4 points
- Ħal Far Titans – 0 points
Third Division
- Swieqi United AFC – 18 points
- Qajjenza AFC – 10 points
- St Paul’s Bay NMFC – 7 points
- Naxxar Victorians – 5 points
- Mosta Vikings – 0 points
Għaxaq Wolves’ last-gasp victory further cements their dominance at the top, while teams in the lower divisions continue to battle for crucial points in the fight for promotion and survival.
