Zejtun Corinthians failed to keep the pace with leaders Sliema Wanderers and second-placed Naxxar Lions as they suffered a second successive defeat, losing 1-4 to Tarxien Rainbows at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in one of the three matches from BOV Challenge League in programme on Thursday.

Darren Falzon put Tarxien ahead on the 17th and although Jairo Santos de Oliveira Filho equalised on the 23rd, Thiago Nonato Peixoto restored the lead on the half hour, adding another three minutes later. Juninho Cabral sealed the issue with a fourth goal on the 76th.

At the Centenary Stadium, goals by Christian Henrique Mota de Oliveira Silva on the 19th and Lucas Ribeiro de Oliveira handed Marsa a 2-0 win over Mtarfa.

On the other hand, Marsaskala defeated Qrendi 3-2 in another match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Andres Tenorio Viveros put Marsaskala ahead after just one minute. Claudio Antunes equalised on the 66th but Adrian Carabott made it 2-1 on the 69th. Kurt Theuma restored equilibrium on the 84th but Rundell Renold Winchester notched the winner three minutes from time.

Sliema lead the way with 38 points, followed by Naxxar on 35, Zejtun 30, Tarxien 28, Zurrieq 23, Melita 22, Fgura 21, Lija, Marsa and St. Andrews 19, Swieqi and Attard 17, San Gwann 15, Marsaskala 14, Mqabba 11, Vittoriosa 10, Mtarfa 8 and Qrendi 7

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