The 2026/27 BOV Challenge League got under way with an entertaining opening matchday which produced victories for Pietà Hotspurs, Sirens, Victoria Hotspurs, Melita, Fgura United and Tarxien Rainbows.

Pietà were involved in one of the weekend’s most dramatic encounters as they came from behind twice to defeat Naxxar Lions 3-2 at the Centenary Stadium.

Naxxar opened the scoring after 27 minutes when Francisco Joelson Ferreira converted the rebound after Mark Fenech’s initial effort.

Luca Gatt equalised six minutes later, but Naxxar immediately regained the lead through Leonardo Agius, whose powerful long-range effort struck the woodwork before finding the net.

Pietà drew level again after 64 minutes through Jayden Vella before completing their comeback eight minutes later. The Hotspurs were awarded a penalty and Precious Uchechukwu Nwankwo converted to secure all three points.

Santa Lucia and Vittoriosa Stars D’Orsini had to settle for a goalless draw.

Vittoriosa went closest during the first half when Rye Cilia Mumford struck the crossbar, while Santa Lucia’s Mathieu Valbuena forced goalkeeper Fredrick Tabone into a fine save from a free-kick.

Santa Lucia almost snatched victory late on when substitute Terence Vella connected with a well-struck volley, but Tabone produced another excellent save.

Sirens, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Żurrieq.

Żurrieq created several opportunities but were punished ten minutes from time when Jean Borg delivered a cross for Stephen Chimezie to convert from close range.

Six-goal thriller between Attard and Swieqi

Newly-promoted Attard marked their return to the Challenge League with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Swieqi United.

Ayrton Attard and Aiden Agius gave Swieqi a two-goal advantage before Shaun Bugeja pulled one back before half-time.

Kingsley Kenneth Ibitoye equalised for Attard after 69 minutes before Kayden Farrugia completed the turnaround in the 89th minute.

However, Swieqi refused to surrender and Salam Kojo Mawuena struck five minutes into stoppage time to rescue a point.

Victoria Hotspurs made an impressive start with a 3-0 victory over St Andrews.

Despite St Andrews creating several opportunities during the first half, the Gozitans took the lead through a spectacular Jake Ghio effort in the 39th minute.

Thiago Nonato Peixoto doubled their advantage from a corner after 57 minutes before Arthur Stelmach Santana rounded the goalkeeper and added a third in the 89th minute.

Melita also registered a 3-0 victory, overcoming Gudja United with all three goals arriving after the interval.

Benjamin Cassar opened the scoring five minutes into the second half before Miguel Angel Alba doubled the advantage. Mark Peresso Sammut added a third three minutes later to complete the victory.

Ten-man Fgura hit four

Fgura United produced the biggest victory of the opening matchday as they swept aside Żebbuġ Rangers 4-0 despite finishing with ten men.

Gianluca Bugeja opened the scoring after six minutes before Samuel De Almeida doubled Fgura’s advantage in the 37th minute.

Bruno de Gomes then struck twice in the space of three minutes early in the second half to put the result beyond doubt.

Fgura were reduced to ten men after 57 minutes when Haytham Abdeigani received his second yellow card, but their four-goal advantage was never threatened.

Tarxien Rainbows also made a winning return to the Challenge League with a 3-1 victory over Mġarr United.

Jesús Jiménez Pérez Norberto put Tarxien ahead after nine minutes before Michael Silva Olivera doubled their lead two minutes into the second half.

Norberto completed his brace in the 72nd minute after rounding the Mġarr goalkeeper. Rayvian Job Ginio pulled one back for Mġarr, but Tarxien comfortably held on to collect the three points.

BOV Challenge League – Matchday 1 results

Pietà Hotspurs 3-2 Naxxar Lions
Santa Lucia 0-0 Vittoriosa Stars D’Orsini
Sirens 1-0 Żurrieq
Attard 3-3 Swieqi United
Victoria Hotspurs 3-0 St Andrews
Gudja United 0-3 Melita
Żebbuġ Rangers 0-4 Fgura United
Mġarr United 1-3 Tarxien Rainbows