Matchday 3 of the BOV Challenge League 2025/26 delivered a mix of emphatic wins, late drama, and managerial change. Melita climbed to the top of the table with a convincing victory over Mtarfa, while Fgura United also kept their perfect record intact. Elsewhere, Vittoriosa stunned previously unbeaten Mgarr, Sirens bounced back strongly, and St Andrews struck late to edge Zurrieq—a defeat that led to the dismissal of coach Brian Spiteri.
Melita climbed to the summit of the BOV Challenge League with a 4-0 victory over Mtarfa at the Centenary Stadium. Alec Sladden opened the scoring with his first senior goal before Jesus Yepez and Quadri Allionida extended the lead, Yepez adding a second after the break. Melita, who were also awarded a win following a successful protest from Matchday 1, now sit joint top with Fgura United on nine points, boasting the better goal difference.
Fgura Stay Perfect, Marsa Beaten
Fgura United maintained their 100% record with a 3-1 win over Marsa. Dylan Caruana put them ahead early, but Marsa levelled through Klose Azzopardi Conti. Matteo Gambin restored Fgura’s lead before halftime, and after Zeron Azzopardi’s dismissal, Matthew Brincat sealed the points from the penalty spot.
Vittoriosa Stun Mgarr
At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Vittoriosa Stars handed Mgarr United their first defeat, winning 1-0 thanks to Arsene Rye Cilia Mumford’s strike on 73 minutes. The Stars secured their first victory of the season, moving up to four points.
Sirens Outclass Zebbug
Sirens cruised past Zebbug Rangers 3-0, with goals from Trezeguet Zammit, an own goal by Gaetano Gesualdi, and a late strike from Jean Borg. Zebbug’s Hugo Dos Santos was sent off as his side slumped to a third match without a win.
Santa Lucia and Gudja Share Derby Spoils
The derby between Santa Lucia and Gudja United ended 2-2 in an entertaining clash. Filip Petkovski and Jed Valletta scored for Santa Lucia, while Bjorn Buhagiar and a Matthias Vella own goal saw Gudja twice come from behind.
Balzan and Pietà Cancel Each Other Out
Balzan drew 1-1 with Pietà Hotspurs. Arthur Felippe put Pietà ahead before Gabriel Chiemezie equalised shortly after the restart. Balzan dominated the second half but failed to convert their chances.
Swieqi Grab Late Winner Against Birżebbuġa
Swieqi United bounced back with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Birżebbuġa St Peter’s. After missing a penalty, the Owls found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time when substitute Kian Leonardi converted from close range.
St Andrews Edge Zurrieq in Dramatic Finish
St Andrews claimed a late 2-1 victory against Zurrieq. Kurt Briffa’s early opener was cancelled out by captain Shawn Darmanin’s free kick. But after Zurrieq wasted key chances, Michael Johnson struck in the final minutes to seal the win. Following the match, Zurrieq announced the dismissal of coach Brian Spiteri.
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