Marsa stay three points clear on top the BOV Challenge League despite a 4-4 draw with San Gwann as Pembroke Athleta were also held in a draw by Qrendi.

The big match for the weekend was the clash between third-placed San Gwann and leaders Marsa at the Centenary Stadium. Chibueze Attah handed San Gwann the lead on the 7th minute but Leighton Grech equalised two minutes later. Jackson Lima converted a penalty on the 37th but just before half-time, Chibueze equalised. Uchenna Calistus Umeh put San Gwann 3-2 ahead on the 52nd but Marsa turned the score in their favour with goal by Leighton Grech on the 68th and Ian Zammit three minutes later. However, Andrea Zammit levelled matters on the 90th.

Pembroke Athleta were held in a 1-1 draw by Qrendi at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos put Pembroke ahead one minute from the end of the first half but Sebastian Perdomo Esquivel equalised five minutes from time.

Zebbug Rangers moved fourth after defeating neighbours Qormi 6-2 in another match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Mohamed Ahmad Ayoub put Qormi ahead on the 13th minute but Zebbug were quick to equalise through Jamie Carbone on the 15th. Clive Gauci turned the score in Zebbug’s favour on the 21st and four minutes later, Gaetano Gesualdi made it 3-1 as he converted a penalty. A brace by Kevaughn Atkinson on the 51st and 60th increased the lead further. Miguel Busuttil scored a second goal on the 77th but Shaun Bugeja made it 6-2 seven minutes from time.

A penalty by Gunnar Stefansson on the 36th and Jamie Sixsmith five minutes from time handed St. Andrews a 2-0 win over neighbours Swieqi United.

Goals by Johan Alberto Castano on the 64th and Kurt Borg five minutes in added time handed Mqabba a 2-0 win over St. George’s in another match at the Centenary Stadium.

On Friday, a goal by Renan Sgaria Farias ten minutes in the second half handed Vittoriosa Stars a narrow win over Fgura United at the Centenary Stadium.

With Qormi already condemned to playing in the BOV National Amateur League and St. George’s lying eleven points behind Mqabba who are third from bottom, the battle to avoid the other three relegation spots is on. Just six points separate sixth-placed Naxxar Lions and Mqabba. Naxxar are currently on the 30-point mark, followed by Qrendi on 29, Pieta’, St. Andrews and Vittoriosa on 27, Marsaxlokk and Fgura on 26 and Mqabba on 24.