The BNF U15 and U17 Leagues delivered another exciting weekend of football, with late goals, dramatic turnarounds, and crucial points gained in the race for league titles. While only the BNF U15 Leagues A and B, as well as the BNF U17 League D, were in action, the results had a significant impact on the standings.
U15 League A – Phase 2 Matchday 5
Hibernians FC edged closer to securing the BNF U15 League A title after a dramatic 3-2 victory over second-placed Valletta FC at the Charles Abela Stadium.
- Cole Zerafa opened the scoring for Hibernians in the 14th minute, marking his fifth goal in as many games.
- Valletta’s Miguel Camilleri struck twice (48’, 71’), turning the game on its head and taking his season tally to 16 goals.
- Hibernians responded swiftly through Adam Camilleri before Kirsten Camilleri netted an 83rd-minute winner, sealing a crucial win that leaves them 14 points clear at the top.
Elsewhere, Pietà Hotspurs FC bounced back from their previous loss with a 2-1 win over St Andrews FC.
- A Jamie Caruana penalty (70’) gave Pietà the lead, and he added a second (85’) to extend the advantage.
- St Andrews pulled one back in stoppage time through Jan Grech, but Pietà held firm for the win.
U15 League B – Phase 2 Matchday 5
The title race in League B remains wide open after all of the top four sides dropped points over the weekend.
- Balzan FC came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Zabbar St Patrick FC. Ashton Lee Chircop (20’) had given Zabbar the lead, but Luca Sceberras (46’) equalized for Balzan, taking his season tally to 10 goals.
- Gozo FC and Floriana FC had the opportunity to overtake Balzan at the top, but their match ended in a 2-2 draw, keeping the standings unchanged.
- Gilbert Scicluna put Gozo ahead (24’), but Denzil Debattista equalized for Floriana a minute later (25’).
- In the second half, Andreas Mangion (Floriana) and Matthias Buttigieg (Gozo) both found the net, ensuring the points were shared.
- League Standings: Balzan lead with 28 points, while Gozo, Floriana, and Zabbar remain level on 27 points.
U17 League D – Phase 1 Matchday 10 (cont.)
Swieqi United FC extended their lead at the top with a 2-0 win over Santa Venera Lightnings FC.
- Timmy Sciberras (20’) and Keene Spiteri (83’, penalty) secured the win, marking Swieqi’s fifth consecutive victory.
- Their solid defensive record continued, having conceded only six goals all season.
Meanwhile, Marsaxlokk FC and Attard FC played out a 0-0 draw, allowing Swieqi to gain a two-point lead at the top.
- Marsaxlokk, known for their attacking prowess (37 goals scored this season), struggled against Attard’s resolute defense (only five goals conceded).
- Attard’s Jean Gharzeddin was sent off in the 82nd minute, but Marsaxlokk failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
Looking Ahead
With the leagues approaching their final stretch, Hibernians FC in U15 League A and Swieqi United in U17 League D are closing in on league titles, while the U15 League B title race remains too close to call. The coming matchdays will be crucial in determining the champions across all divisions.
