MAFA special league returns

Marsa St Michael stole the show in the return of the MAFA Special League as they hammered Mosta Vikings 8-0 to go through the second phase of this competition.

As the last round of matches were played from the group phase, eight others teams made it for the second round of this competition. In fact Tal-Qroqq Versity, Senglea Gunners, Zurrieq Sunrise, Valletta Stars, San Giljan Saints, Balzan Youths, Valletta St.Pauls and Zebbug Youngsters booked their place in the second phase. Despite all this, Marsa St Michael and Zebbuġ Youngsters will play a preliminary match this Wednesday to advance to the last eight of the competition.

After 97 days without football, the players seemed happy to resume this competition and despite the hot weather, they gave their all for their respective teams.

As already said, Marsa St Michael were in fine form as they thrashed Mosta Vikings 8-0. The latter still had a chance to advance for the next round but on the day, the St Michael side didn't concede any favours and managed to get the most important three points.

Marsa's prolific striker Ricardo Severino was in scintillating form as he netted five goals while Nikola Tasic, David Azzopardi and Mohammed Telessi added three more for their side.

From the same group, Valletta St Paul had a walk-over against Żejtun Laċċi as the latter retired from the competition.

From Group B, San Ġiljan Saints grabbed their third win of the season as they saw off Balzan Youths AFC 5-1. Both teams had already qualified for the next round of the competition so they used this match as a preparation for the quarter-finals.

The Saints surged ahead before half-time thanks to Jamie Bowlby-Whiting while Mamadou Jawo doubled the score early in the second half. Danjel Grima reduced the arrears for Balzan but their opponents remained focused with Mamadou Jawo, Conor Murphy and Conteh Brima also putting their names on the score sheet.

Meanwhile Valletta Stars assured themselves of the first place in the group standings after a 2-0 walk-over against Ta' Xbiex St Helens.

Finally Żurrieq Sunrise leapfrogged Senglea Gunners in the group A standings as they were the better side to win 4-0.

Both teams had already qualified for the second round of the competition as this match was only a formality. On their part, Żurrieq were the better side and managed to score four goals without reply with Axel Fleri, Samuel Erihim, Yuya Emura and Saul Figuero Garcia who managed to hit the target.

Versity AFC made certain of the first place of the table after a 2-0 walk-over against Fgura Spartans.

Standings - Group A

Versity AFC 12 Żurrieq Sunrise 9, Senglea Gunners 6, Balluta Barracudas 3, Fgura Spartans 0

Standings - Grupp B

Valletta Stars 12 San Ġiljan Saints 9, Balzan Youths 4, Naxxar Victorians 3, Ta' Xbiex St Helen 1

Standings - Group C

Marsa St Michael, Valletta St Pauls 10, Żebbuġ Youngsters 7 Mosta Vikings 4, Żejtun Laċċi 0