by Swieqi United will confront Hibernians FC in the final of the Assikura Women’s Knockout tonight at 8 pm at the Centenary Stadium. In preparation for the final competitive fixture of the season, we outline the competing teams’ journey to the final, the tactical battle at hand, as well as the key players of the match.
The Journey to the Final
Swieqi United were touted as the favourites the moment they overcame defending champions Birkirkara FC in the opening round, which they backed up with a solid victory against Raiders Lija FC. This, in conjunction with the fact that the side ended runners-up to the Stripes last season, further confirms the upward trajectory of the Owls and makes no doubt of their intentions. Packed with a combination of experience and youthful ambition, the Owls will feel it is their year to lift the trophy.
On the other hand, as a club Hibernians FC have history on their side, having won the competition five times. However, their last victory was in 2016 and following the club’s absence from the sport, Hibs’ are now in a period of renaissance, and thus this year’s performance in the league and reaching this final has a different significance to the team. The side has surely earned its place in the final, having overcome nearest rivals Mgarr United in the first round, before delivering a convincing victory against San Gwann in the semi-final. This year, Hibs presented a new squad that grew in confidence as the season progressed. While aware of the shoulders they stand on, players will eye the final with their own ambitions to etch their names in the club’s rich history.
The Tactical Battle
The two sides are no strangers to each other’s game and a look at the three fixtures played over the course of the season suggests that the game promises goals. Swieqi United enjoyed solid 2-0 and 3-0 wins in the first two fixtures, which tilts the match in their favour. However, Hibernians FC had the last laugh in the final duel of the season, taking the win with a 2-1 score, showing they have the necessary skill-set to beat the Owls.
Having said this, those matches were played in a different competition that stretches over multiple months. The chance to lift some silverware at the final whistle will undoubtedly add an extra element to the match. Neither team will want to give away too much and as a result, the fixture may be cagier than its predecessors this season.
Despite injury struggles, most notably to their top scorer this season Jade Flask, Swieqi United have found a way to notch wins under their belts without having to make too many tactical shifts to counter opposition. On the contrary, the side has been sure in its playing style, and in fact Judith Kuipers has often fielded a 4-3-3 formation. However, there have been plenty of squad rotations, with several players undertaking different roles and positions, which provides a different challenge for those marking them.
In the Assikura Women’s Knockout, Jessica Dimech has been particularly solid in front of the defensive duo of Tammy Falzon and Rafanny Abache Mendoza. In doing so, she has allowed veterans Shona Zammit and Dorianne Theuma more license to venture forward and support the attack. Meanwhile, in the absence of Flask, the central forward role has been traded between Salamatu Abdulai and Tatiana Hawkins-Dabney, both of whom offer pace and have found the net at different points of the season. It will be interesting to see if Kuipers opts for a similar formation, and if so, who she will trust to occupy these roles.
The wealth of technical ability in midfield gives the Owls the possibility of opening up a defence with a single pass across the field, but the side is just as effective in opening up spaces with quick short passes. This, combined with the pace of the mentioned strikers, as well as the duo Rebecca Atinga and Mariah Sciberras out on the wings, could give Hibs plenty to think about. Jade Schembri has also impressed in the forward wing role as well as a full-back during the season. Her appearance could also add a different dynamic to the attack. Thus, Kuipers has multiple options at her disposal to trouble the Paolites.
On the other hand, Hibernians have a few of their own tricks up their sleeves. Keith Gouder has shifted formations between the use of two or three centrebacks, most often including a combination of Emma Zammit, Amy Busuttil and Nicole Sciberras. Despite losing their first two confrontations against the Owls, Hibs were particularly resolute in defence against them in their final fixture of the league and combined it with deadly counter-attacking football to cement their victory. It was a game in which the Paolites showcased their ability to score without enjoying the lion’s share of possession, as well as their ability to switch their defensive shape to protect the lead. Any suggestions of it being a fluke were thoroughly dismissed as they used it to the same effect to frustrate and ultimately eliminate Mgarr United in the opening fixture of the competition.
The difference in the fielded defensive shape poses a different set of questions for the opposition to break down and thus it is likely that the Owls will need to display both awareness and patience in attack. In midfield, Nicole Sciberras, Kayleigh Chetcuti and Sarah Urpani have been in form and can be a threat, especially from set-pieces. Therefore, the midfield, together with captain Martina Borg and forward Alexis Espitia, will likely pick their moments to trouble Swieqi’s defence.
The Twelfth Player
Coaches and players will take to the field with their plans in order and sights set on lifting the trophy. Each side will undoubtedly give their all. However, on the occasion of a final, perhaps the fans’ collective voice of support counts even more than in any other match. In a fixture that will surely demand the most from the players, both physically and mentally, the loudest support may just provide the extra fuel needed to succeed at the task at hand.
The final will be played tonight Friday 12th May at the Centenary Stadium, with kick-off at 8 pm.
