The BNF U17 Leagues kicked off 2025 with the start of the Top 6 and Play-Out Rounds in Leagues A and B, delivering thrilling matches, late goals, and standout performances. Here’s a summary of the weekend’s highlights:
U17 League A – Phase 2 Matchday 1
Top 6 Round
- Mosta FC 0-0 Floriana FC
The second phase began with a tight contest between league leaders Mosta and sixth-placed Floriana. Despite Mosta’s dominance earlier this season, Floriana held firm for a goalless draw. - Valletta FC 1-0 St Andrews FC
Valletta secured a hard-fought victory with Liam Buhagiar’s 50th-minute goal. St Andrews pushed for an equalizer but were unable to break through Valletta’s solid defense. - Pietà Hotspurs FC 2-1 Melita FC
Pietà earned a dramatic win with Kayden Zerafa’s 87th-minute goal after Simon Gatt equalized for Melita. The result propelled Pietà to the top of the Top 6 standings on goal difference, level with Mosta and Valletta.
Play-Out Round
- Hamrun Spartans FC 2-2 Hibernians FC
Hamrun started strong, leading 2-0 within 27 minutes through goals by Gabriel George Sammut and Jayden Rhys Mcshannon. However, Hibs fought back, with Matthew Caruana’s late equalizer ensuring a point for the Paolites. - Birkirkara FC 1-0 Fgura United
Matteas Caruana’s second-half goal gave Birkirkara a narrow win, helping them climb above Fgura in the standings.
U17 League B – Phase 2 Matchday 1
Top 6 Round
- San Gwann FC 1-0 Gozo FC
In a close match, San Gwann relied on Beppe Giudice’s 89th-minute strike to snatch a late win, frustrating their Gozitan opponents. - Sliema Wanderers FC 2-0 Qormi FC
Sliema dominated, with goals from Jean Formosa and Jake Sacco securing a comfortable victory and moving them to the top of the Top 6 standings. - Balzan FC 1-0 Zabbar St Patrick FC
Gianluca Calleja’s decisive goal in the 55th minute helped Balzan leapfrog Zabbar in the standings after a gritty contest.
Play-Out Round
- Naxxar Lions FC 4-1 Mgarr United
Naxxar staged an impressive comeback after trailing early, with second-half goals from Sven Muscat, Francesco Vella, and Kaydil Mangion sealing the win. - Kirkop United 3-2 Pembroke Athleta FC
Despite a valiant effort from Pembroke, Kirkop secured the win with Craig Noe Camilleri’s late goal, maintaining their position at the top of the Play-Out standings.
Standings Update
- League A – Top 6: Pietà Hotspurs lead on goal difference, followed by Mosta and Valletta, with St Andrews close behind.
- League A – Play-Out: Hamrun Spartans remain at the top, with Hibernians showing signs of resurgence.
- League B – Top 6: Sliema Wanderers are now leaders, while San Gwann and Balzan also posted crucial wins.
- League B – Play-Out: Kirkop United lead, with Naxxar Lions in pursuit, while Pembroke are still searching for their first points.
The opening weekend showcased the competitiveness of the leagues, setting the stage for an exciting phase ahead.
