The 2025/26 BOV Youth League kicked off this week with a series of entertaining fixtures across both divisions, as reigning champions began their title defence and newcomers looked to make their mark.
League A โ Champions Off to Winning Start
Naxxar Lions, fresh from lifting last seasonโs title and preparing for a UEFA Youth League campaign, opened their defence with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Floriana at the Centenary Stadium. New signing Mike Hudson put the Lions ahead after 22 minutes, before captain Owen Portelli doubled their lead from the penalty spot just two minutes later. Floriana rallied in the second half and pulled one back through Nathan Zerafa on 50 minutes, but Naxxarโs backline held firm to secure the three points.
In another Centenary Stadium clash, Valletta started brightly with a 4-2 win over St Andrews. Goals from Thomas Melillo and Jhoan Estiven Espana Quinones gave the Citizens a 2-0 lead at the break, before second-half strikes from Keyon Ewurum and Claude Mercieca made it 4-0. St Andrews responded late through Adam Vella and Emerson Mejlak, but Valletta held on despite finishing against 10 men after opposition keeper Sebastian Mifsud was dismissed in stoppage time.
The most emphatic result of the opening round came at the Charles Abela Stadium, where Melita stormed to the top of the table with a 5-1 win over newly promoted Fgura United. Timothy Cassar Torreggiani struck twice, with further goals from Ben Ismael Cissรฉ Bacongo, Benjamin Cassar, and substitute Luca Abela. Fguraโs only reply came via a penalty from Ryan Tabone.
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Birkirkara edged ฤฆamrun Spartans 2-1 in a tense encounter. After a goalless first half, Kerson Fenech and Liam Delicata struck in quick succession for the Stripes. ฤฆamrun pulled one back through Scott Camilleri, but Birkirkara resisted late pressure to claim victory.
League B โ Promoted Sides Shine
In League B, both newly promoted sides made dream starts. Mgarr United overcame ลปebbuฤก Rangers 2-0 thanks to goals from Matheo Theodose and a penalty from Matthias Fenech. Meanwhile, Luqa St Andrewโs battled to a dramatic 2-1 win over Pembroke Athleta. Gianlloyd Ferriggi opened the scoring, but Pembroke equalised early in the second half through Julian Cauchi. A missed penalty by Pembroke proved costly, as Luqa captain Jake Peplow struck the winner in the 88th minute.
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