by Birkirkara and Lija Athletic will initiate the second weekend of the Assikura Women’s League tonight at the Centenary Stadium, at 20:15. Vince Galea is looking to build on a strong start, while cherishing the challenge to be brought by Lija Athletic. Jethron Azzopardi is aware of the strength of the champions, but backing his team to build on a positive start and be disciplined in their approach.
Points On The Board
Both Birkirkara and Lija Athletic managed to secure points in their opening matches to kick of season 2024/25 in good spirits. Birkirkara dominated from the off against San Gwann, to earn themselves a strong start to their title challenge. Vince Galea, who was in charge of the team in a competitive match for the first time, was pleased with the performance, but is keeping eyes firmly focused on the long road ahead.
He said, “We had a very strong start in the early minutes of the game that paved the way for our first victory. However, this has to be seen as part of the process we have started and as the season goes on, we have to keep improving some aspects of the game. We are glad with the progress some players have been making and we look forward to continue our work to nurture these players during the season.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic appeared to be heading toward a maiden victory against Valletta, but succumbed to a late goal which dashed their hopes of three points, but secured an historic point nonetheless. Coach Jethron Azzopardi, sought out the positives, “The game was well balanced and we are aware of our limitations. Despite the draw at the end, we are satisfied with the performance and looking to build on it.”
Dealing With The First Blows & Expectations For The Match
The Stripes were dealt an early blow as debutant Yuna Hazekawa was forced off the pitch in the first-half, despite having already shown her strengths on the pitch. Vince Galea appears to be ruling out the Japanese midfielder for tonight’s fixture, “Unfortunately Yuna got injured during a duel and had to be substituted early in the game. She is undergoing treatment and hopefully she can be back on time for the crucial weeks to come.”
Looking to the upcoming encounter, Birkirkara’s Vince Galea acknowledged the positive start that Lija Athletic had, “Yes, very good start for Lija Athletic and as discussed before, every game needs to be prepared for and respected on its merit.”
Birkirkara will no doubt be looking to double their points tally before breaking off for the UEFA Women’s Champions League competition. Probed about game approach, Galea suggested his team is ready to adapt tactically against a defensive or more adventurous opposition, “Our game is strongly based on being efficient, hence we will be ready for any possible outcome during the game. I cherish that opponents give us different challenges as this will help us to build on for the coming matches.”
On the other hand, Lija Athletic deployed youngster Ylenia Azzopardi in a more defensive position, while Kylie Pantalleresco was trusted to protect the defence alongside Rachel Mifsud. Asked whether this is a balance that he was happy with and looking to utilise against the Stripes, Jethron Azzopardi replied, “We were missing a key player at the back due to injury and had to rotate some positions. We will have a different set up against Birkirkara.”
Asked whether he wants to deny Birkirkara from dominating possession, Jethron Azzopardi appears to be heading in another direction in his approach, “We have to be patient and very disciplined. Birkirkara has a strong squad and we must be cautious. We must definitely hit on the counter when spaces are open.”
The stage is set for the second weekend of the Assikura Women’s League to be initiated tonight between the two. They meet at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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