National Amateur League I – Play-Out Matches
Mellieha 1-2 Qormi
Qormi secured a crucial victory over Mellieha at Sirens Stadium, deepening the Blues’ relegation worries.
Qormi started strong, with Jake Bone testing Mellieha’s goalkeeper James Magro early on. Captain Steve Schembri broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, heading in from a corner. Mellieha equalized through Marc Bolan Adonis in the 70th minute, but Qormi had the final say as Cadu slotted in the winner ten minutes from time. With 25 points, Qormi leads the Play-Out, while Mellieha remains just two points above the relegation zone.
Qrendi 1-2 Zejtun Corinthians
Zejtun continued their remarkable form, edging past Qrendi in a 2-1 victory.
Stefi Cale, who replaced the injured Clyde Bouvet, opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Qrendi had a golden chance to equalize before halftime, but Ayesller Carvalho’s shot was deflected for a corner. They eventually found the net in the 66th minute through Ayesller, but Zejtun restored their lead three minutes later with Cale’s well-placed strike. This win puts Zejtun in a strong position to secure third-tier football next season.
Kirkop United 2-2 Rabat Ajax
Kirkop United and Rabat Ajax played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Mosta Ground.
Rabat took the lead through Jean Scholey, but Kirkop responded with a direct free-kick goal from Matthew Borg before halftime. However, Rabat regained the lead in stoppage time via Kurt Muscat. Rabat went down to ten men after Shawn Cutajar was sent off in the 55th minute, and Kirkop capitalized with a late equalizer from Dicko Drissa. Rabat remains in the relegation zone with seven points, while Kirkop, now at 17 points, continues their battle to avoid the drop.
During the week, Kirkop United announced that coach Matthew Caruana had stepped down, with David Saliba taking over as interim manager.
Msida St Joseph 0-4 Pembroke Athleta
Pembroke recorded their biggest win of the season with a dominant 4-0 victory over bottom-placed Msida St Joseph.
The match saw the return of Weverton Gomes, who scored twice in quick succession after Maverick Cassar opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Ryan Sciberras sealed the game with a lobbed finish in the 42nd minute. The second half was a mere formality as Pembroke comfortably held their lead.
Gharghur 3-2 Marsaskala
Gharghur earned a vital win against Marsaskala, triumphing 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Nestor Canas was the hero for Gharghur, scoring a hat-trick, including two penalties. His first came in the 22nd minute from the spot, followed by a well-taken strike in the 30th minute. Marsaskala fought back, with Mikele Vella and Joshua Ojelabi scoring late, but Gharghur held on for the win. This result brings them closer to escaping the relegation zone.
With the Play-Out battle intensifying, teams are fighting for survival as the season nears its final stretch.
