Two late goals secured a crucial victory for champions Valletta, as they overcame Mqabba Albions, leaving them just one point behind the leaders of the First Division, Għaxaq Wolves. Meanwhile, Marsa St Michael’s continued their consistent form and remain in the title race after a 2-0 victory over Ta’ Giorni Wanderers, with goals scored in both halves.
In the Second Division, both fixtures involving the top four teams ended in draws, while Third Division leaders Swieqi United AFC were held to a draw by the resilient Naxxar Victorians.
Mqabba Albions 0-2 Valletta St Paul’s
Champions Valletta St Paul’s had to work hard to overcome bottom-placed Mqabba Albions with a 2-0 win. The team, managed by Kevin Bugeja, defended resolutely and restricted Valletta’s attacking efforts.
Following a goalless first half, Valletta came out more aggressively, but a combination of Mqabba’s strong defence and missed opportunities delayed the breakthrough. It was Ian Zammit who secured the win with a personal brace, scoring in the 67th and 69th minutes.
With this victory, Valletta St Paul’s are now just one point behind the league leaders.
Referee: Jean Pierre Sammut.
Marsa St Michael’s 2-0 Ta’ Giorni Wanderers
Marsa St Michael’s responded with a 2-0 victory over Ta’ Giorni Wanderers. Marsa dominated possession, while Ta’ Giorni adopted a defensive approach to contain their opponents.
Marsa took the lead during injury time through Darko Todorovski, and six minutes before full-time, Petar Kanzurov sealed the win with a second goal.
With this result, Marsa St Michael’s remain three points off the top.
Referee: Gjorgji Bitri.
Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC 2-2 Valletta Stars St Dominic
The key Second Division match between Birżebbuġa St Peter’s and Valletta Stars St Dominic ended in a 2-2 draw. Birżebbuġa led 2-0 at half-time, but Valletta staged a strong second-half comeback to level the score.
Junior Ohalewe, the league’s top scorer, gave the Southerners the lead in the 14th minute, with Oussama Boutayeb doubling the advantage in the 31st minute. In the second half, Valletta Stars shifted gears, with Federico Marine scoring from a penalty and an own goal by Ahmed Naser completing the comeback.
Referee: Ray Tabone.
Senglea Gunners 2-2 Attard Edex Kings
Senglea Gunners and Attard Edex Kings played out a 2-2 draw in another match involving teams at the top of the Second Division table.
Senglea held a first-half lead, but Attard fought back and rescued a point late on. Glenn Bonello was the standout player for the Gunners, scoring twice, while Juan Letrado Salazar and Luca Camilleri found the net for Attard.
Referee: Gordon Barbara.
Naxxar Victorians 1-1 Swieqi United AFC
In a Third Division clash, leaders Swieqi United AFC lost their perfect record, held to a 1-1 draw by Naxxar Victorians.
Naxxar delivered their best performance of the season, containing Swieqi’s attacks while creating dangerous counterattacks. Swieqi took the lead through top scorer David Taiwoo Akindelle, but midway through the second half, Keith Zammit Tabona equalised for Naxxar.
Referee: Karl Stefan Galea.
Għaxaq Wolves 3-0 Gudja Wanderers
In a first-round MAFA KO Cup match, Għaxaq Wolves eased past Second Division side Gudja Wanderers with a 3-0 victory.
Għaxaq dominated possession, while Gudja relied on counterattacks. The standout performer was Brazilian striker Diego Fernando Pereira, who scored twice in the 26th and 33rd minutes. Substitute Sebastian Nayar added a third with a stunning long-range strike.
Referee: Lorry Sammut.
STANDINGS – MAFA FIRST DIVISION
- Għaxaq Wolves – 22 points
- Valletta St Paul’s – 21 points
- Marsa St Michael’s – 19 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
STANDINGS – MAFA SECOND DIVISION
- Valletta Stars St Dominic – 17 points
- Senglea Gunners – 15 points
- Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC – 13 points
- Attard Edex Kings – 13 points
- Żebbuġ Youngsters – 10 points
- Ħamrun Amateurs – 6 points
- Gudja Wanderers – 4 points
- Ħal Far Titans – 0 points
STANDINGS – MAFA THIRD DIVISION
- Swieqi United AFC – 19 points
- Qajjenza AFC – 10 points
- St Paul’s Bay NMFC – 7 points
- Naxxar Victorians – 6 points
- Mosta Vikings – 0 points
