Tarxien Rainbows maintained the challenge for promotion as they defeated Zurrieq 2-1 in a match from the BOV Challenge League Top 8 at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.
Zachary Brincat put Tarxien ahead on 4 minutes and went on to double the score on 27 minutes with Xylon Portelli scoring a consolation goal two minutes from time.
Santa Lucia defeated Marsa 3-1 in a match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Emmanuel Asante put Santa Lucia ahead on 42 minutes and eight minutes in the second half, Andreas Vella doubled the score. Jake Engerer reduced the gap on 70 minutes but Salam Kojo Mawuena sealed the issue with a goal three minutes in added time.
Champions Valletta lead the way with 50 points, followed by Swieqi and Tarxien on 35, Pieta’ and Santa Lucia 31, Marsa 29, Zurrieq 28 and Mgarr 27.
In the Play-Out, Fgura United defeated Lija Athletic by the odd goal in five at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Alan Abdel Rahman put Fgura ahead on 29 minutes but five minutes in the second half, Courage Omoruanzoje levelled matters. Goals by Miguel Tabone on 80 minutes and Innocent John Awori on 87 minutes handed Fgura a comfortable lead although Erjon Beu converted a penalty to reduce the gap for Lija two minutes in added time.
In another match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Gudja United defeated Sirens 3-2. Thiago Nonato put Sirens ahead on 24 minutes but Willian Henrique equalised on 45 minutes and Dale Mifsud made it 2-1 on 51 minutes, Diego converted a penalty on the 90th for Gudja with Mark Fenech reducing the gap six minutes in added time.
In the Play-Out, Fgura lead the way with 33 points, followed by Gudja on 26, Sirens 24, St. Andrews 22, Zebbug 18, Lija 15, Mtarfa 14 and Senglea 13.