Valletta St Paul’s defeated Marsa St Michael’s 2–1 in a match from the MAFA First Division championship.

The team from Valletta now moved up to 11 points in the standings and are aiming to build some consistency after not so positive results in the first round.

St Paul’s took the lead in the 12th minute through Guillherme De Lima Mendes, before Ayoub Assim equalised for Marsa in the 30th minute.

However, Valletta St Paul’s had the final say when they scored the winning goal in the 47th minute through Juan Esteban Zarate Ortega.

This defeat was a setback for Marsa, who are trying to keep pace with Għaxaq Wolves, who now sit alone at the top of the table.

Referee: Jean Pierre Mifsud

Senglea Gunners held by San Ġiljan Saints

Senglea Gunners failed to take advantage of Marsa’s slip as they were held to a 1–1 draw by San Ġiljan Saints.

The Senglea side took the lead in the 8th minute through a penalty converted by Ousman Jallow, while Sam Whelan equalised for the Saints in the 61st minute.

Referee: Milos Krstic

Valletta Stars and Balluta Barracudas share the spoils

Valletta Stars and Balluta Barracudas played out a 2–2 draw.

Matthew Mallia put the Barracudas ahead after just three minutes, before Marena Damang equalised for Valletta Stars. The latter then went 2–1 ahead through Benjamin Chinagoro Onyeawulotu, but Matthew Mallia scored again to complete his personal brace and secure the draw.

Referee: Jean Pierre Sammut

Second Division

Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC start second round strongly

In the Second Division championship, Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC started the second round in impressive fashion after defeating Naxxar Victorians 7–1.

Oussama Boutayeb and Ronnie Celeste both scored braces, while Ignacio Lopez Gastou, Karim Salman, and Andres Yumis Mena Palacios added further goals for the southern side.

Naxxar reduced the deficit through Mahmoud Abdelhamid.

Referee: Thomas Debono

Ħamrun Sporting also begin with a convincing win

Ħamrun Sporting also enjoyed a perfect start to the second round after a 5–0 victory over Mqabba Albions.

Junior Ohalewe inspired the Ħamrun side with a hat-trick, while Tijane Sowe and Akeem Alaba Olanshile also found the net.

Referee: Miguel Francica

First Division Standings

Għaxaq Wolves – 19
Marsa St Michael – 16
Senglea Gunners – 14
Valletta Stars – 11
Valletta St Paul’s – 11
San Ġiljan Saints – 10
San Ġwann Pro EV – 6
Balluta Barracudas – 3

Second Division Standings

Birżebbuġa St Peter’s AFC – 3
Ħamrun Sporting – 3
Attard Edex Kings – 1
Gudja Wanderers – 1
Swieqi United AFC – 1
Ta’ Ġiorni W – 1
Mqabba Albions – 0
Naxxar Victorians – 0