Futsal: Title contenders keep up the challenge

Following another round of matches from the Gatorade Futsal League, title hopefuls Luxol and Valletta continued with their impressive march at the top of the standings after massive wins over Qormi Futsal and Mrieħel ESS respectively.

Valletta, the defending Maltese futsal champions, opened well against Mrieħel as they established a considerable lead at half-time. Once again, it was a collective effort from the Citizens with their talisman players Raphinha and Denis di Maio scoring a poker apiece. On the other hand, Xavier Saliba and Dylan Musu were also on the mark for Valletta. Kamal Edgeli, Wisam El Zaradei and a Faisal Alnakua double put their names on the score sheet for Mrieħel.

Swieqi kept up the challenge with a 13-0 maul over strugglers Zurrieq Wolves. Boicho Marev was four times on the mark as Dimitar Petev and Fredrik Johansson finished with a double each. Swieqi’s other goals came through Andre Ciancio, Christian Wismayer, Redeemer Borg, Jason Gauci and Dexter O’Brien.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg

University of Malta maintained their positive patch during this campaign as they edged Msida 6-5. The Seasiders offered stern resistance to the students but left the pavilion empty-handed This was the students’ fourth consecutive win as they had Djordje Maksimovic and Leo Muscat hitting a brace while Andrea Farrugia and Rodney Debono added to their tally. Msida had George Frendo and Liam Cachia hitting the target twice while Armando Gjepali was also on the mark.

Meanwhile Safi San Lorenzo edged Tarxien JMI 2-1 while Sliema returned to winning ways with a 12-4 win over Swieqi Under 21.

STANDINGS:
Luxol 24; Valletta FC 21; Swieqi FC 18; Hamrun Tre Angeli 15; UOM 15; Msida SJ 12; Safi San Lorenzo 12; Qormi 12; Sliema 10; Qrendi 9; Mriehel ESS 7; Marsascala Construct Furniture 6; Tarxien JMI 0; Swieqi U21 0; Zurrieq Wolves 0.