The BOV Challenge League Play-Out phase kicked off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with a high-scoring set of opening fixtures that saw Mgarr United and Zurrieq claim dominant victories, while dramatic late goals defined the remaining encounters.

Mgarr United 5–0 Mtarfa

At the Centenary Stadium, Mgarr United made a powerful statement by dismantling Mtarfa with a five-goal haul. 

Azriel Borg opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, followed by a Terence Vella strike ten minutes later. Matthias Fenech effectively ended the contest before half-time, making it 3-0 in the 41st minute. 

Vella added his second shortly after the restart (50′), and Luke Farrugia completed the rout in the final minute of regulation time.

Zurrieq 3–0 Gudja United

Zurrieq secured a comfortable three points against Gudja United at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. 

Gabriel Aquilina set the tone with an 18th-minute opener. The advantage was doubled early in the second half by Sheldon Mackay (49′), and Leonard Londe sealed the 3-0 win just six minutes later.

Marsa 2–2 Vittoriosa Stars

In the most dramatic match of the day, Marsa goalkeeper 

Amara Sylla became the unlikely hero, scoring a 94th-minute equaliser to rescue a point against Vittoriosa Stars. Klose Azzopardi Conti had originally put Marsa ahead at the half-hour mark, but Kenly Scerri leveled for Vittoriosa from the penalty spot in the 37th minute. After Luca Mallia seemed to have won it for Vittoriosa in the 83rd minute, Sylla’s late heroics restored parity.

Santa Lucia 1–1 Zebbug Rangers

The second fixture at the Victor Tedesco Stadium ended in a stalemate between Santa Lucia and Zebbug Rangers. Following a goalless first half, 

Joseph Willy broke the deadlock for Zebbug in the 50th minute. Santa Lucia fought back, with Jean Carlos netting the equaliser in the 75th minute to ensure both sides earned a point in their play-out opener.