by Swieqi United and Valletta will truly close off the women’s domestic football season this morning as they battle it out in the final of the Assikura Women’s Youth Knockout at the Centenary Stadium at 10:00. Swieqi United set sights on completing the set, while Valletta go into it seeking to end their debut season with a trophy in hand.
Curtains With Sight On The Last Trophy
This morning’s Assikura Women’s Youth Knockout final will truly curtail the women’s domestic season in Malta, with the final bow being made by the two top teams in the U19 category. Swieqi United will go into the final hoping to add the Knockout trophy next to the already lifted Assikura Women’s Youth League title. On the other hand, having finished in second place in the league, Valletta will take to the pitch with the aim of lifting the maiden trophy for the club in its debut season in the women’s game.
Their most recent encounter finished in a 1-1 draw, thanks to a late equaliser by Swieqi United’s Karima Abdulai, who cancelled Sabrin Blihi’s opener for Valletta. However, it was the Owls who had grabbed all three wins in their previous three encounters.
The matches between the two have provided plenty of goal-mouth action, with a total of fourteen goals scored across the four encounters. The promise of a trophy at the end of the match will likely throw a few surprises, as both go all out seeking the victory.
Road To The Final
Swieqi United got themselves a spot in the final following a 6-1 victory over Birkirkara, before eliminating Hibernians in the semi-final by 2-0, courtesy of a quick brace by Salamatu Abdulai. The Ghanaian leads the scorers’ list with four goals, having also grabbed another two against Birkirkara. Karima Abdulai is hot on her heels following three goals against the Stripes, while Kaysia Micallef completed the scoring then. The team were without their captain Tammy Falzon against Hibernians, but received a late boost by the introduction of Ema Micallef who made a return following being sidelined by injury.
Meanwhile, Valletta received a bye into the semi-final, where they emerged victorious by 3-1 against San Gwann. Catrina Magri got City going with a brace of her own, before Sarah Vella Barberi wrapped things up. Chaimaa Tourki got San Gwann’s goal from the penalty spot, but Valletta kept themselves ahead. The side will be without the services of playmaker Ylenia Grech following a direct sending off to her and San Gwann’s Nilayza Attard in the match.
As noted above, the two teams will head into the match knowing all about each other. As things have played out in the past, Swieqi United will be expected to try to dominate possession and employ an ‘attack as the best form of defence approach’. On the other hand, Valletta have in the past relied on a solid defensive setup with sights set on breaking quickly through their explosive forwards. Both teams bring a knack for set-pieces, which could make for an interesting encounter as the gloves inevitably come off.
Considering that several players have eyed silverware before will certainly help the nerves. However, undoubtedly a final sets up a special occasion, and rest assured come noon today, both will want to be walking away with the trophy.
The final will be played at the Centenary Stadium, with kick-off set at 10 am.
Lead Images: Michael Azzopardi / Lara Schembri
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