BOV Challenge League: Marsaxlokk stun Naxxar Lions

Leaders Naxxar Lions suffered their first defeat in Group A of the BOV Challenge League as they lost 0-3 to Marsaxlokk at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Monday.

Peter Paul Sammut was the hero for the Southseasiders with goals on the 23rd, 31st and 68th. Marsaxlokk ended the game in nine men.

In another match, Mqabba and Lija Athletic shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Centenary Stadium. Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos opened the score for Lija on the 32nd and Luka Mijic equalised on the 65th.

Naxxar lead the way with 24 points, followed by Pembroke on 21, Zejtun 20, Melita 14, Marsaxlokk 1, San Gwann 10, Lija 9, Mqabba and Rabat 8, Vittoriosa 6 and St. George’s 1.

In Group B, Tarxien Rainbows joined Pieta’ Hotspurs on top as they came from behind to beat them 3-1 in a direct clash at the Centenary Stadium.

Paul Lapira put the Hotspurs ahead on the 15th but Thiago Nonato Peixoto equalised three minutes later, Carlos da Silva Conceicao Filho made it 2-1 on the half hour and four minutes from the end of the first half, Wellington de Oliveira increased the lead further.

At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Fgura United and Senglea Athletic earned a point each in a 2-2 draw.

Mattia Zarb put Senglea ahead on the 24th but goals by Dylan Caruana on the 42nd and 52nd turned the score in Fgura’s favour. However Lucas Mancuso restored equilibrium for Senglea.

Pieta’ and Tarxien lead the way with 19 points, followed by Marsa and Zebbug on 14, Swieqi and Qrendi 13, Fgura 12, Senglea 10, St Andrews 9, Mgarr 7, Luqa 6.