Birzebbuga St. Peter’s and Vittoriosa Stars sealed promotion to the Challenge League on Sunday after both secured vital victories in the final round of the Amateur League 1, setting the stage for a Championship Decider to crown the 2023/24 season’s winners.
Both teams finished the campaign locked on 46 points, just one ahead of San Gwann, meaning a decider is now necessary to determine who will lift the league trophy.
Birzebbuga Win Five-Goal Thriller
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Birzebbuga St. Peter’s overcame Xghajra Tornados in an entertaining 4-2 contest. The Saints took the lead on 14 minutes through an own goal, but Xghajra responded quickly with Richmond Baratuipre Hanson levelling the score just eight minutes later.
Brazilian midfielder Marquinho put Birzebbuga back in front just before the break, and Samuel Saldanha added a third from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Although Hanson struck again early in the second half to reduce the deficit, Randall Vella sealed the win in the 75th minute.
Vittoriosa Edge Past Luqa in Tight Encounter
Meanwhile, at the Centenary Stadium, Vittoriosa Stars claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Luqa St. Andrew’s. Paul Odunayo Aderibigbe gave the Stars the lead from the penalty spot on 12 minutes. Giovanni Galea equalised for Luqa midway through the second half, but Aderibigbe struck again in the 76th minute to send Vittoriosa into the promotion places.
San Gwann Fall Short Despite Win
San Gwann did their part with a 2-1 win over Attard at the Sirens Stadium, but it wasn’t enough to break into the top two. Goals from Ricardo Nahuel Velasquez and Gonzalo Nicolas Virano sandwiched a strike by Jed Valletta for Attard, as San Gwann ended their season just one point short of promotion.
Relegation Battle Heats Up in the Play-Out
In the Play-Out section, Gharghur revived their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Msida St. Joseph, thanks to a quickfire brace from Mark Cutajar in the first half. Mateo Calle pulled one back for Msida, but the damage was already done.
Gharghur now sit level on 19 points with Marsaskala and Pembroke Athleta, as the relegation battle intensifies. Qormi lead the Play-Out standings with 38 points, followed by Qrendi (33), Mellieha (32), Zejtun (31), and Kirkop (27).
Rabat Ajax (8 points) and Msida St. Joseph (5 points) have already been mathematically relegated.
