BOV Amateur League I MD14 & MD15 Review: Senglea Athletic maintain sensational upturn in form, Attard solidify top spot

Photos by Malta FA

BOV AMATEUR LEAGUE I 2025/26
MATCHDAY 14

Attard 2-1 Mellieha
On Saturday at the Luxol Stadium, league leaders Attard beat Mellieha by the odd goal in three to strengthen their top position in the National Amateur League I. The team of coach Daniel Agius scored a goal in each half with the Northerners replying with a stoppage time penalty.   

The Blues, anxiously looking for points, started well and on 11 minutes had a good opportunity with a shot by Iven Zammit that was however easily saved by new goalie Clive Caruana (ex St George’s). Attard seemed content to remain at the back and relying on breakaways. The leader’s first chance came courtesy of UPrecious Nwankwo who saw his shot well saved by Mark Cutajar on 30 minutes. Gordon Saliba had a shot that went just over on 34 minutes but Attard took the lead barely a minute later when a well flighted cross found Nick Ghio who headed home with aplomb. Nicholas Schembri should have made it two on 40 minutes but missed his header right in front of goal. 

The second half started as it ended with Attard on top and the second goal was averted through a brilliant save by Cutajar off Nwankwo on 50 minutes. On 68 minutes it was 2-0 courtesy of Nkwankwo who wrapped up a fine move. Right at the end of the match, Mellieha grabbed a consolation goal through a penalty converted by club debutant Leon Borg (ex-Marsa). 

Qormi 2-2 Mqabba
In this top of the table clash, Qormi faced Mqabba in what was a keen encounter in Saturday’s early afternoon kick-off at the Luxol Stadium. Before the game, Qormi were just behind Attard in the standings with Mqabba nicely poised in 3rd place. Mqabba squandered a 2-0 advantage with Qormi largely dominating the second half.

Mqabba made their intentions clear when after just two minutes, a corner by Juan Andres Viveros found Christian Degabriele, who was on his debut from Qrendi, who saw his effort just graze the post. Qormi reacted on 12 minutes when a shot by John Awori ended up just wide. In the attack that followed on the other side it was Mqabba who took the lead when Neil Magri managed to turn the ball into the net from a goalmouth melee’. Another Mqabba chance arrived on 20 minutes when a header by Quelin Micallef was acrobatically saved by Daniel Attard. 

The Canaries came close to an equalizer when from a long throw by Emmanuel Garba, Kieran Fenech headed just over. However, it was Mqabba who doubled their advantage on 28 minutes when Brandon Micallef smashed a shot into the net from close range. Just before half time, Qormi reduced the deficit through Fenech who stabbed home from close range after a period of pressure. 

Qormi began the second half like a house on fire as they pressed for an equalizer. They missed an incredible chance on 53 minutes when Garba received the ball in the box but somehow, the Nigerian striker could not manage to conclude. Liam McKay had another good chance for Qormi on 71 minutes, but his effort was saved by Mario Bartolo. Eight minutes later, Qormi equalized with an excellent header by substitute Jayden Borg from a precise Ayrton Azzopardi cross. In the end, perhaps, a draw was a fair result to a high-octane encounter. 

Pembroke Athleta 1-2 Victoria Hotspurs
In the early afternoon kick-off at the Sirens Stadium on Saturday, Victoria Hotspurs recorded a hard-earned victory over Pembroke Athleta, in a match which could have gone either side. Apart from individual quality, as a whole, the Gozitans were never superior over Pembroke, who fairly speaking deserved a point from this encounter. Victoria paraded veteran striker Cadu as latest acquisition, from Qormi, who entered the fray at half-time.

The Hotspurs came close on 13 minutes when a long-range free-kick by Christian Mercieca was tipped over the bar in style by Pembroke custodian Dean Sciberras. The Gozitans held the initiative with Pembroke doing well by pressing early, which prevented Victoria from creating goalscoring opportunities from open play. It was no surprise therefore that the deadlock was broken from a corner-kick, with Rondinely heading highest in the six-yard box two minutes into stoppage time to give the Hotspurs a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Nine minutes after the change of ends, Sciberras did well to block two consequent shots from Rondinely and Kurt Borg with Joshua Adepoju kicking the rebound high. Immediately on the other side, an on-target Lucas Gomes attempt was saved well by Steve Sultana while not much later, Sultana turned an excellent free-kick by Kyle Sciberras-Balbi into a corner. On the hour, the excellent Sultana had to interfere again to block another Lucas Gomes attempt with Pembroke now seriously pushing for an equaliser. The team of Jeffrey Mifsud were rewarded on 76 minutes when Jayden Aquilina sent Lucas Gomes through, who beat Sultana with an intelligent chip. But four minutes later, the Gozitans scored the winner when captain Ferdinando Apap brilliantly headed home from a Cadu corner kick.

Lija Athletic 2-1 Kirkop United
In the second Sirens Stadium kick-off last Saturday afternoon, Lija kept their momentum by bagging another valuable three points against Kirkop United, whom they beat 2-1. Both sides paraded various new players after the latest January transfer window with some of these proving to be the decisive factor.

Lija largely dictated play during the first half but initially failed to test Kirkop goalkeeper Miguel Falzon. It was Kirkop who had the best chance of the half when Dale Tabone beat the off-side trap just before the half-hour mark but Lija goalkeeper Luke Bonnici blocked the effort. But it was Lija who broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when newcomers Lyvann Obissa and Eduardo Wagner (ex-Victoria Hotspurs) combined well with the latter shooting past Falzon with an unstoppable grounder. Not much later, Leon Muscat rose high to head against the crossbar from a long-range Mead Mifsud free-kick.

Right after the break, Kirkop equalised thanks to a brilliant scorcher by Miguel Zammit which totally surprised Bonnici. But on 65 minutes, Lija re-took the lead when Obissa saw Falzon too far in front of his goal and intelligently kicked the ball home from long range. Lija continued to dictate matters towards the end, creating a few half chances and easily consolidating their minimal advantage until the very end. 

Senglea Athletic 3-0 San Gwann
After their latest victory against Pembroke Senglea Athletic put up a similarly combative display against San Gwann, beating the Saints 3-0 on Friday night at the Centenary Stadium. San Gwann were hoping to restart their promotion credentials, with the last two Senglea goals being scored deep into stoppage time.

The first half was a quite forgettable affair with neither side creating any goalscoring chance of note. In fact we had to wait till the 57th minute to see the first shot at goal with Senglea’s Nigel Scerri slamming an effort that went just wide. Just two minutes later Johan Castano missed a sitter right in front of the San Gwann goal when he concluded wide from two paces. That period of pressure finally paid off when a cross from the left found veteran Steve Meilak who managed to stab home. San Gwann reacted with a shot by Denilson Borg that was blocked by the Senglea defence. 

However, Senglea held on well and even created a few opportunities from breakaways with San Gwann appearing rather toothless up front. A minute from time, James Oghenekwaro could have made it two with a strong shot that hit the outside post. Deep in stoppage time, Senglea made certain of the points with goals by substitute Jack Zammit and  newcomer Matthew Brincat (ex-Fgura United) with two great shots. 

Senglea Athletic 3-0 San Gwann FC - 06.02.2026 - Photo by Malta FA

Luqa St Andrew’s 3-1 Qrendi
Also on Friday night at the Centenary Stadium, Luqa added more misery into Qrendi’s promotion bid by beating their neighbours 3-1. A priceless three points for the Saints however, who have just one goal this season, which is avoiding relegation. Qrendi should have been 2-3 goals up at half-time but the team of coach Andrea Chircop responded well after the break and turned the match upside down in that second half.

Qrendi dominated the first half and had an opportunity after 10 minutes with a header by Samuel Saldanha (ex-Pembroke) that ended up wide. Brandon Bray had a shot minutes later that was easily saved by Andre Fenech. Bray had another excellent chance on 17 minutes from right inside the box, but his shot was deflected for a corner.  On 28 minutes, Qrendi took the lead when Dylan Micallef concluded with a shot from a few yards. The second goal almost arrived in quick succession on 32 minutes, but Saldanha’s shot whisked the post. At the end of the first half, Qrendi could have doubled but Bray and Micallef saw their efforts thwarted. 

At the start of the second half, Qrendi again came close when Dylan Micallef shot just over the bar from a good position. But it was Luqa who equalized on 61 minutes when Bledi Alla, on his debut from Ta’ Xbiex, fired a superb shot that cannoned into the rood of the net. Matters turned worse for Qrendi when Mikele Vella was sent off on 64 minutes for a second yellow card. From the resulting free kick, Nathan Frendo managed to swerve the ball into the net to put Luqa ahead. A minute later, Alla picked up his second and Luqa’s third from a counter as Qrendi were left reeling. Luqa controlled the match with ease after that exploiting their numerical advantage and clinching a crucial victory in their survival bid.

Xghajra Tornados 2-1 Zejtun Corinthians
In the late Sirens Stadium kick-off last Saturday, Xghajra bagged a valuable three points against Zejtun Corinthians, a clash between two teams who are in desperate search for the points to stay away from the red zone. Tornados defender Cedric Zahra came out as unlikely hero, scoring both Xghajra goals including a stunning winner. The grapes were sour for Zejtun, who never should have lost this match, a wasted opportunity to lift themselves up in the ranking.

Xghajra came close after just three minutes when Dylan Mifsud’s cross was met by Cheyzen Spagnol who forced Anson Saliba into an excellent block before the Zejtun defence cleared the danger. But on 11 minutes, Zejtun took the lead thanks to a splendid free-kick by Kevin Tulimieri through the Xghajra wall. Miguel Abela, the Tornados custodian, was the busiest of the two in the opening phase, blocking a Matteo Tanti attempt from the edge of the box on 22 minutes. Four minutes later on the other side, Saliba did well to block an on-target Shaban Chikh Ali goal effort. On 33 minutes, Cedric Zahra rose high to equalise for Xghajra from a corner-action. Towards the end of the half, Zejtun came close on a number of occasions through Adrian Carabott, Stefi Cale and Matthew Farrugia but somehow Xghajra survived the rally with the teams resting with a 1-1 score-line.

Clearly less entertainment after the change of ends with both sides struggling to find a way through the dominant defences. On 68 minutes, Abela saved another splendid Tulimieri free-kick with most of the danger coming from dead ball situations. Six minutes later, Xghajra scored what proved to be the winner when Zahra saw Saliba too far in front of his goal, kicking the ball behind the Zejtun goalkeeper from his own half. On 83 minutes, Morientes Muscat brought the best out of Saliba, who splendidly tipped the scorcher of the Xghajra striker over the bar. In stoppage time, Cale was close to the equaliser but Abela saved superbly to give the Tornados a mid-table position.

MATCHDAY 15

Mqabba 1-2 Attard
A full program of seven matches were planned on the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck last Tuesday with Attard shaking of the resistance of Mqabba by the odd goal in three at the Sirens Stadium. The victory means Attard are unbeaten in their last nine league matches (eight wins and a draw), having a six-point advantage over second-placed Qormi. The Black & Reds scored no less than 46 goals so far, an average of over 3 goals per game.

The goalless first half was a balanced affair with Mqabba have the slight upper-hand. Jairo Andres Viveros came close after just two minutes with an angled shot from the right side of the box which just missed target. On 27 minutes, Luka Mijic came inches close to tap in a Vivero cross from the right at the second post. Attard did create a few half-chances but over-all, Attard goalkeeper Clive Caruana was busier than his counterpart, Mario Bartolo.

Six minutes after lemon time, Gordon Saliba’s long-range attempt was paraded by Bartolo, which was the first shot on target for Attard in the match. But four minutes later, Tejumola Ayorinde served Staline Degabriele on the left flank, who outpaced his marker and concluded by placing the ball against the net to give Attard the lead.  Mqabba failed to reply with Attard doubling on 75 minutes. Precious Nwankwo received Ayorinde’s long pass on the left flank, shaking off his direct marker and placing the ball handsomely behind Bartolo. Not much later, Nicholas Schembri should have added Attard’s third but Bartolo turned the effort into a corner. An important save as, with two minutes regular time left, the unmarked Mijic headed a Carmelo Farrugia cross behind Caruana to give Mqabba a lifeline. However, there was too little time left to upset the Attard rearguard for a second time.

Victoria Hotspurs 2-0 Qormi
Also at the Sirens Stadium, Victoria Hotspurs secured an important victory in a direct clash at the top part of the table, defeating Qormi 2–0. It was by no means an easy win for the Gozitans, in a game which could have gone either way. In fact, Clive Mizzi’s side gave the Gozitans no chance during the first half, but missed various chances with the Hotspurs being much more efficient after the break. Victoria goalkeeper Steve Sultana played a blinder by keeping his side in the game by neutralising several Qormi opportunities.

In the first half, Qormi enjoyed much of the possession and in the 15th minute created their first chance when Liam McKay fired a low shot that Sultana saved well. 10 minutes later, Dario Aquilina, tried his luck with a shot from outside the box, but Sultana was once more attentive. On the half-hour mark, Ayrton Azzopardi beat a defender and attempted a shot from outside the area which sailed inches over the bar. In the 38th minute, Victoria Hotspurs approached Qormi’s goal for the first time when Shaun Attard tested goalkeeper Cain Formosa. Qormi, however, remained the better side throughout the first half, and this time it was Emerson Vella who struck a dangerous shot from outside the box which did not find the net.

Seven minutes after the break, Victoria Hotspurs’ latest signing Cadu delivered a dangerous free-kick that went just wide. Not much later, Qormi striker John Awori began to pose a real threat as, after beating a Victoria defender, the Nigerian saw his shot go wide. Just after the hour, a corner by Cadu was met by a header from Rondinely which went wide. Awori continued to be dangerous and in the 69th minute created a good move, with goalkeeper Sultana making a fine save from his shot, while Ayrton Azzopardi sent the rebound wide.

Despite Qormi’s efforts, it was Victoria Hotspurs who took the lead in the 71st minute when Christian Saint Ebisindor advanced well and beat Formosa with a low shot into the corner. Qormi reacted in the 74th minute when a shot by Kyle Azzopardi once again found Sultana alert. Victoria Hotspurs grew in confidence and doubled their lead one minute before the end of regular time when Rondinely finished from a good position. Deep into stoppage time, Qormi were reduced to 10 men when Garba was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Qormi nearly reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time when Dale Mifsud saw his close-range effort saved brilliantly by man-of-the-match Sultana.

Zejtun Corinthians 1-3 Lija Athletic
At the Luxol Stadium, Lija struck late to secure a dramatic 3–1 victory over Zejtun in a contest defined by set pieces, incisive wing play and a decisive stoppage-time finish. It was Lija’s ninth victory in their last 10 league games, drawing the other one, an impressive sequence of the team of coach Ivan Zammit. Eduardo Alves Pereira, alias ‘Wagner’ played a blinder for Lija, scoring a goal and being involved in the two other Lija goals.

The opening stages were evenly balanced, though Lija showed early intent down the flanks. On 17 minutes, Wagner found space on the left and shaped to shoot, only to hesitate and fire narrowly over, a let-off that allowed Zejtun to regroup. But it was Zejtun who made their advantage count soon after with a moment of genuine quality. In the 20th minute, Kevin Tulimieri stepped up to a long-range free-kick and delivered a superb strike that clipped the post on its way in, handing Zejtun a 1–0 lead. Lija responded with purpose and were rewarded on 35 minutes. An excellent in-swinging Wagner corner flew into the net despite Anson Saliba’s desperate attempt to keep the ball out.

Anyhow, Zejtun remained a threat before the interval and a Clyde Bouvet header from a cross on 41 minutes forced Luke Bonnici into a solid save. But Lija finished the half on top and completed the turnaround on the stroke of half-time. Neat interplay between Wagner and Omar Khatib released the former down the flank, and his driven cross was met by Lyvann Obissa at the second post, who headed Lija with a 2-1 advantage into the dressing rooms.

Lija nearly extended their advantage early in the second half when a corner was flicked on to Obissa at the back post, but his effort struck the outside of the upright. Thereafter, the hosts managed the game astutely, remaining compact and restricting the Corinthians to speculative deliveries rather than clear-cut chances. With Zejtun committing bodies forward in search of an equaliser, Lija delivered the final blow deep into stoppage time when a free-kick was kicked in behind the defence to release Erjon Beu, who controlled calmly before finishing past the goalkeeper to seal a hard-fought win.

San Gwann 1-1 Pembroke Athleta
In last Tuesday’s late match at the Sirens Stadium, San Gwann and Pembroke Athleta played out a one-all draw, an outcome which, in all fairness, does not favour any side. The depleted Saints, who have just one from their last seven league games, were hoping to get their promotion bid back on track but failed once more. Pembroke were smelling an upset after equalising late in the game, a victory which was badly needed to lift themselves from the red zone. With 1-0 up, the Saints missed a penalty and paid the price for that eventually.

San Gwann came close on 13 minutes when Adam Falzon unleashed a long-rang attempt which sailed inches wide. Pembroke then created a few opportunities through Kyle Sciberras-Balbi and Weverton, both paraded by Saints goalkeeper Luciano Camilleri. But it was San Gwann who broke the deadlock when Matteo Vella scored in the 19th minute from close-range, rounding off a neat San Gwann attack. Pembroke took over initiative as San Gwann showed weaknesses in defence but the team of coach Jeffrey Mifsud failed to profit in the remaining time left before the break.

Five minutes after the change of ends, San Gwann were awarded a penalty which was however weakly executed by Matteo Vella as Dean Sciberras saved well. Barely a minute later, Sciberras made a splendid save on a long-range Mattia Zarb free-kick which the Pembroke custodian tipped over the bar. Pembroke re-took the initiative for the rest of the half but found it hard to penetrate the San Gwann defence, only threatening with a few off-target long distance attempts. With 10 minutes regular time left however, dangerman Weverton was fouled on the edge of the box, with Sciberras-Balbi blasting the ball home from the consequent free-kick. Two minutes later, Camilleri performed a great save on a point-blank Malcolm Vella-Vidal attempt which really should have been Pembroke’s winner. On 85 minutes, Camilleri did again well to deny a Lucas Gomes header while in stoppage time, Sciberras Balbi came again close with an excellent header that missed target.

Mellieha 1-1 Xghajra Tornados
In the second fixture at the Charles Abela Stadium on Tuesday, Mellieha faced off against Xghajra Tornados in another hot relegation encounter. The outcome, another 1-1 draw, was a disappointment for both sides, as the Tornados were looking for another win to continue distancing themselves from the bottom spots whilst Mellieha were hoping to arrest their dreadful run of form which saw them sink to last place in the table.

Mellieha started brightly and had a shot by latest recruit Aron Hernandez that ended up well over the bar. Still, Mellieha took the lead a couple of minutes later when Vitinho smashed home from close range to take a surprise advantage. However, the lead did not last long as just a minute later it was Xghajra defender Andrea Hammett who slotted home from a rebound.

Xghajra missed a glorious chance to take the lead on 14 minutes when Larson Mallia saw his shot saved by Slaven Micallef from point blank range. Mellieha had a good chance on 22 minutes when a header by Leon Theuma ended up just over. Mellieha continued creating chances with Vitinho particularly dangerous. On 40 minutes, a shot by Cody Baguley was well ended up just wide of the post.

The second half was somewhat devoid of opportunities in the initial period as Xghajra pressed forward without much luck. Mallia had a free kick from outside the box on 67 minutes, but the ball ended up wide. Mellieha had a massive opportunity to win it on 83 minutes, but Baguley saw his effort saved for a corner. From the same corner, French substitute Benneth Louniangou-Ntsika shot well over from a good position. With Senglea bagging another three points, Mellieha are now last in the standings, certainly not what they expected before the start of the campaign.

Qrendi 2-3 Senglea Athletic
Finally, Senglea have abandoned their last place in the standings after beating Qrendi by the odd goal in five at the Mosta Ground, recording their third consecutive victory. The confidence to avoid the drop is now sky high at Senglea, whose committee have left no stone unturned to strengthen their team the previous month. On the other hand, Qrendi have now lost their last six games and need to be careful not to be dragged into the relegation tussle.

The Cottonera side started like a house on fire and took the lead after just two minutes when James Oghenekewaro smashed home a shot from just inside the box. Three minutes later it could have been 2-0 as it was Johan Castano whose shot was deflected for a corner as Senglea continued pressing forward. However, Qrendi equalized on seven minutes when a defensive error led to Brandon Bray slotting into an empty net. Senglea retook the lead on 20 minutes when a superb drive by Castano found the top corner. Qrendi reacted on 31 minutes when a shot by Samuel Saldanha went just over the bar.

Senglea should have gone 3-1 up on 33 minutes when Oghenekewaro was alone in the box, but he steered his effort wide. More chances went begging for Senglea with a header by Keith Muscat that ended up just over the bar. Qrendi profited from Senglea’s wastefulness to equalize right the stroke of half time when Dion Ciantar smashed a shot into the net from an acute angle.

But Senglea wasted no time and right at the start of the second half regained the lead for a third time with another screamer by Nigel Scerri. The side of coach Edmond Lufi came close again on 64 minutes when a shot by Glen Pace went just over the bar. The Yellow and Reds continued wasting chances to pull away with a header by Castano ending up wide on 83 minutes. However, Senglea fended off some late Qrendi pressure to record a third victory on the trot and move off bottom spot in the standings.

Kirkop United 1-1 Luqa St Andrew’s
At the Luxol Stadium, Luqa and Kirkop had to settle for a 1–1 draw after an absorbing, end-to-end encounter marked by missed chances, resilient defending and a series of outstanding saves. Also here, the outcome did not favour any of the two, as a point is not helping much in their quest for survival.

Plenty of action during the first half. Kirkop made a blistering start and should have been ahead within two minutes. A misplaced back-pass by Luqa’s Owden Vella was seized upon by Neil Buttigieg, who rounded a defender and raced through on goal, only to be denied by a composed stop from the Luqa goalkeeper. Kirkop continued to look dangerous in transition, and on 18 minutes, Dale Tabone surged into the area before squaring for Miguel Zammit, whose close-range effort cannoned off the crossbar. Luqa responded almost immediately. A wonderful through ball released Bledi Alla on 19 minutes, but his attempt was blocked by Miguel Falon. The contest remained wide open and on 22 minutes, Dale Tabone fumbled the ball from Thomas Grech and unleashed a shot that skimmed the bar, while young Luqa goalkeeper Kyran Massa reacted sharply again on 29 minutes to deny Scion Cassar-Grech.

Kirkop kept pressing for the breakthrough and on 36 minutes, Miguel Zammit produced a powerful solo run, beating two defenders before being denied by another fine Massa save. The woodwork intervened again on the stroke of half-time when Jordan Brett’s dipping strike hit the post, but the team of coach David Saliba finally made their pressure count in added time. Released down the right, Dale Tabone drove a low finish in at the near post in stoppage time to give Kirkop a deserved 1–0 lead.

Luqa emerged with renewed purpose after the interval and found their equaliser on 57 minutes when the unmarked Alla tapped home at the second post. Buoyed by this equaliser, Luqa pushed for a winner and on 72 minutes, Alla weaved through defenders but shot narrowly wide, while further efforts in a crowded penalty area were blocked or saved. Kirkop, however, remained a threat up to the last whistle as Brett was denied from close range on 87 minutes while deep into stoppage time, Massa produced a decisive save amid a scramble in the box to ensure the spoils were shared after a fiercely contested affair.