Victoria Hotspurs were promoted to the BOV Challenge League after defeating Mqabba FC 2–1 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
It was a tense encounter for the Gozitan side, who were coming off two consecutive defeats, while their rivals Mqabba and Qormi FC were still in contention for promotion.
In the 39th minute, Victoria Hotspurs took the lead when captain Ferdinando Apap saw his initial shot hit the post before converting the rebound to put his side ahead. The first half ended 1–0 in favour of the Hotspurs.
Click HERE to learn more (18+)
They doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through Christian Mercieca, who finished low past goalkeeper Mario Bartolo after receiving a pass from Christian Ebisindor Saint.
Mqabba were reduced to ten men in the 70th minute when Christian Joseph Degabriele was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
They pulled one back in the 77th minute from the penalty spot after a handball, with Luka Mijic converting.
At the final whistle, celebrations began among the Hotspurs players, officials and supporters, culminating in the presentation of a commemorative trophy by Malta Football Association vice-president Adrian Casha to captain Ferdinando Apap.
The match was officiated by referee Vladimir Rizhosk.
