BOV Challenge League: Zejtun close in on Naxxar after defeating them in direct clash

Leaders Pembroke Athleta maintained a four point lead on top of Group A of the BOV Challenge League as Zejtun Corinthians defeated Naxxar Lions 2-1 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Sunday.

Renan Sgaria Farias put Zejtun ahead on the 5th minute but Gilberto Carrara Martins Leite equalised nine minutes in the second half. Claudio Henrique da Silva Barbosa notched the winner on the 83rd.

In a match at the Centenary Stadium, San Gwann came back from two goals down to beat Vittoriosa Stars 3-2.

Tejumola Ebenezer Ayorinde put Vittoriosa ahead on the 19th and four minutes later, Freud Gnindokponou doubled the score. However Amarildo Leirosa Junior scored twice on the 75th and 81st and Alexandre Floriano Lopes notched the winner one minute in added time.

Pembroke lead the way with 34 points, followed by Naxxar on 31, Zejtun 27, Melita 24, Marsaxlokk 23, Lija 21, San Gwann 20, Mqabba 17, Vittoriosa 13, Rabat 10 and St. George’s 4.

In Group B, Tarxien Rainbows and Pieta’ Hotspurs kept the pace with leaders Zebbug Rangers.

The Hotspurs defeated Mgarr United 2-0 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium with goals by Iida Teppei on the 57th and Yuto Morita on the 92nd.

On the other hand, the Rainbows beat Luqa St. Andrew’s 3-0 at the Centenary Stadium courtesy of Wellington de Oliveira on the 27th and Thiago Nonato Peixoto on the 32nd and 34th.

Zebbug lead the way with 30 points followed by Tarxien on 28, Pieta 27, Marsa 26, Qrendi 20, Fgura, St. Andrews and Swieqi 19, Senglea 12, Mgarr 10 and Luqa 7.