Birzebbuga St. Peter’s and Vittoriosa Stars secured promotion to the Challenge League as they emerged as winners in two of the three decisive matches from the IZIBET Amateur League 1 on Sunday.
With both teams ending their commitments on 46 points, one point ahead of third-placed San Gwann, a Championship Decider between Birzebbuga and Vittoriosa is necessary to determine which team will be crowned champion.
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Birzebbuga St. Peter’s defeated Xghajra Tornados 3-2. An own goal after 14 minutes out the Saints ahead but eight minutes later, Richmond Baratuipre Hanson equalised. Birzebbuga regained the lead thanks to Marquinho three minutes from the end of the first half and two minutes in added time, Samuel Saldanha converted a penalty. Nine minutes in the second half, Richmond Baratuipre Hanson scored again for Xghajra. However, Randall Vella made it 4-2 on 75 minutes.
At the Centenary Stadium, Vittoriosa Stars defeated Luqa St. Andrew’s 2-1. Paul Odunayo Aderibigbe converted a penalty on 12 minutes but twelve minutes in the second half, Giovanni Galea equalised for Luqa but Aderibigbe restored the lead for the Stars on 76 minutes.
On the other hand, at the Sirens Stadium, San Gwann defeated Attard 2-1. Ricardo Nahuel Velasquez put San Gwann ahead on 19 minutes and although Jed Valletta equalised four minutes from the end of the first half, Gonzalo Nicolas Virano restored the lead eight minutes in the second half.
Meanwhile in the Play-Out, Gharghur defeated Msida St. Joseph 2-1 at the Sirens Stadium to join Marsaskala and Pembroke Athleta on the 19-point mark. Mark Cutajar scored twice on 26 and 27 minutes with Mateo Calle reducing the gap for Msida ten minutes in the second half.
Qormi lead the way in the Play-Out with 38 points, followed by Qrendi on 33, Mellieha 32, Zejtun 31, Kirkop 27, Gharghur, Marsaskala and Pembroke 19, Rabat 8 and Msida 5. Rabat and Msida have already been relegated.