by Birkirkara secured a place in the final following an own goal from Valletta, with the match ending 1-0. The Stripes had the lion’s share of attacks, but struggled to convert against a motivated Valletta defence and goalkeeper, despite ultimately coming away with the victory at the end of the ninety minutes.
Team Selections
Andressa de Souza Ramos remained in goal for Valletta. She was protected by a trio, with Sabrin Blihi flanked by Eduarda Martins Souza and Georgiana Mifsud. Miriana Conti and captain Anna Aloisio took the wing-back duties. Monique Sultana accompanied Ylenia Grech and Francesca Bartolo in midfield, while Sarah Vella Barberi supported Laura Muscat in attack.
Birkirkara’s Tonina Dimech continued her stay in goal in the absence of Janice Xuereb. The familiar back-four of Valentina Rapa, captain Stephania Farrugia, Charlene Zammit and Ann-Marie Said protected her. Gabriella Zahra started in front of the defence, while Veronique Mifsud and Marta Grosso operated further forward. Arianna Del Moral and Alishia Sultana provided the width to Sara Saliba in attack.
How It Unfolded
Birkirkara started the match with their backs to the wind and looked to settle into the match early with a corner. Marta Grosso picked out Valentina Rapa in the six-yard box, but the defender’s header flew wide.
Valletta almost walked into trouble trying to play out from the back, with Arianna Del Moral’s effort deflected for another corner. Ann-Marie Said attempted to sneak one into the near post with an inswinger, but was denied by the post six minutes into the match. The second delivery was headed just wide by Stephania Farrugia.
The team continued piling forward, still unable to break down Valletta’s defence as the corner kicks racked up. Meanwhile, Valletta looked to earn breathers while searching to find a way into a solid attack by attempting to release Sarah Vella Barberi forward. However, Charlene Zammit and Stephania Farrugia combined to deal with the danger.
However, the Stripes remained steadfast on their goal. Sara Saliba attempted to put her team in front with a low effort toward the far left corner which was saved by Andressa de Souza Ramos, before a second effort was later blocked by Georgiana Mifsud. Veronique Mifsud was matched by Eduarda Martins Souza who headed away the clearance shortly after.
Valletta’s Anna Aloisio looked to invigorate her team with belief going forward as the half-hour mark approached, but found the door shut by Valentina Rapa. At the other end, Birkrikara’s effort to find goals from corner kicks continued to be frustrated by City.
Jose’ Borg flinched first, bringing on Caitlin Rogers in replacement of Marta Grosso at the break. Rogers slotted in front of the defence, pushing Gabriella Zahra further forward in midfield.
The Stripes emerged with a higher tempo to their play, in an effort to disrupt the organisation of City’s defence. Full-backs Ann-Marie Said and Valentina Rapa continued to make forward runs and whipping deliveries, but the final product eluded the side.
It prompted Jose’ Borg into an attacking change, bringing on Francesca Chircop in replacement of Gabriella Zahra as the hour mark approached. Valletta’s Jean Lopes made the first change shortly after, replacing Sarah Vella Barberi following a knock. Michela Bonello Ghio took to the pitch in the left wing-back position, while Miriana Conti took over Vella Barberi’s attacking duties.
Charlene Zammit was next to try to open the scoring with an attempted header, but also saw it veer wide. The Stripes had a real opportunity in the 68th minute as Alishia Sultana was released by Veronique Mifsud with a low through-ball. However, Andressa de Souza Ramos did just enough to win the battle, to keep her team on level terms.
Tackles grew more sinister as the tensions rose, while the benches urged the teams onto their tasks. Shortly into the 70th minute Valentina Rapa crossed into Veronique Mifsud, whose side-footed volley was caught by Andressa de Souza Ramos.
Having stood so strong, Valletta were undone by a low cross from Arianna Del Moral across the six-yard box, which Georgiana Mifsud fired into her own net in the 74th minute.
Jean Lopes responded with a swap in attack, bringing on Suzanne Farrugia Sacco in replacement of Miriana Conti. Still, the Stripes looked for the comfort of a two-goal cushion. Alishia Sultana made a dart inside, dribbling past two markers before firing a low effort toward the near post, finding Andressa de Souza Ramos well positioned to collect.
Valletta’s goalkeeper was called into action again in the 84th minute, as the Stripes fizzed the ball from Ann-Marie Said, to Veronique Mifsud who found Alishia Sultana. The number nine delivered a low cross, finding Arianna Del Moral at the far post. However, Andressa de Souza Ramos stuck out a leg to make an excellent save, keeping her team in with a shout.
The two coaches made double switches as the final five minutes started. Jean Lopes made an attacking swap, removing Laura Muscat and Monique Sultana. Lisa Vella took to the pitch in centre-back position, pushing Eduarda Martins Souza in midfield. Megan La Rosa took the left wing-back duties, enabling Anna Aloisio to go in attack.
On the other hand, Mariah Cardona came on at left-wing for Birkirkara, pushing Alishia Sultana in the centre of attack in support of Francesca Chircop. Nanako Kobayashi also took to the pitch occupying the midfield. The two replaced Veronique Mifsud and Sara Saliba.
Valletta put on a final effort to send the match into extra-time. Francesca Bartolo got things going with a strike from distance, but Tonina Dimech collected well. Anna Aloisio was released in a foot race against Charlene Zammit, with Aloisio looking to have gotten the better of the Stripes’ defender, only for Zammit to recover with an expertly timed sliding tackle.
Direct deliveries from defence to attack ensued for City, while the supporters urged the team on. However, Birkirkara showed their experience in game management to see out the victory.
Full-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 1 Birkirkara
The Final
Birkirkara keep up their chase for the treble with the victory. They will meet Hibernians in the final on the 27th of April at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Hibernians secured themselves back-to-back finals in the competition, following victory over Swieqi United after extra-time.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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