by Early authority set the tone as Hibernians powered to a 5–0 victory over San Gwann, with a brace from Olivia Nazarko and goals by Cali Schechinger, Kayleigh Chetcuti and Nicole Sciberras. Both sides struck the crossbar in an open start, but the Paolites’ control and further late chances — including efforts off the post — ensured the margin reflected their dominance.
Team Selections
Maya Cachia retained the starting position in goal for Hibernians. Amber Galea partnered Natalee Geren at the back, with Cali Schechinger and Yolande Attard retaining the wide positions. Captain Nicole Sciberras continued her stay with Francesca Bartolo in midfield, with Olivia Nazarko and Kayleigh Chetcuti operating in support. Leah Ayres led the attack together with Nyorah Celeste.
Meanwhile, there was a change for San Gwann, with Geona Muscat starting between the posts. Amy Abela Spiteri started on the wing, with Kirstie Vella captaining the side from the left. Mariama Kasim and Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio continued their growing partnership at the heart of the defence. Rhea Borg and Martina Schembri maintained their stay in midfield, with Martina Vassallo and Morena Fanega occupying the flanks. Rocio Figueredo continued to support Rodianne Zerafa in attack.
How It Unfolded
Hibernians produced a composed yet assertive performance to secure a 5–0 victory over San Gwann, asserting control early and sustaining it through disciplined structure and clinical finishing.
With Martina Borg absent from the touchline, Andrei Agius assumed responsibility for the Paolites. True to his reputation, Agius intervened with a direct tone that added urgency whenever he felt the standards dipped within his team.
Sadly, the flags at the corners of the pitch didn’t merit the same approach, with the corner poles meant for the corner flags hanging awkwardly without the flag itself, this time not meriting a stop from the referee for a bib to be placed in a makeshift flag as happened a couple of weeks back between Hibernians & Birkirkara.
The match began at an energetic tempo. Nyorah Celeste tested early for Hibernians, while San Gwann responded in the sixth minute through high pressing. Morena Fanega latched onto possession and immediately released Rodianne Zerafa, whose strike rattled the crossbar — an early warning for the hosts.
Hibernians answered in the 13th minute when Leah Ayres struck the woodwork at the opposite end, underlining the attacking intent on both sides.
The opening goal arrived in the 22nd minute. Olivia Nazarko curled a dangerous corner into the six-yard area, where Geona Muscat inadvertently diverted the ball into her own net under pressure, giving Hibernians the lead.
From there, the Paolites began to dominate possession. They circulated the ball confidently, navigating San Gwann’s press with increasing comfort. Maya Cachia remained largely untroubled beyond the early effort from Zerafa.
The second goal arrived in the 40th minute. Kayleigh Chetcuti delivered a sharp cut-back from the right, and Cali Schechinger arrived to side-foot emphatically into the roof of the net. Four minutes later, the third goal arrived in the 44th minute, with Chetcuti producing an excellent individual effort, curling from a tight angle into the far post to send Hibernians into the interval confidently ahead.
Half-Time Score: Hibernians 3 – 0 San Gwann
San Gwann introduced debutant Thaissa Cross for Martina Vassallo at half-time, while Hibernians replaced Maya Cachia with Maya Muscat in goal.
Any hopes of a reset were quickly extinguished. The fourth goal arrived in the 46th minute, as Olivia Nazarko drove down the left and placed a composed low finish into the far corner almost immediately after the restart.
Julian Camilleri remained measured on the opposite touchline, continuing to instruct and reorganise his side in a match that put the Yellows in a familiar situation despite efforts to close the gap. Agius’ approach remained firm and uncompromising, particularly when standards momentarily dropped despite the comfortable scoreline.
In the 51st minute, Francesca Bartolo and Nyorah Celeste made way for Lisa Calleja and Alanah Ghio, injecting renewed energy into the midfield and wide areas for Hibernians. Shortly after, San Gwann reshuffled again, introducing Fatma Al Girbi for Amy Abela Spiteri, shifting Rhea Borg to right-back and pushing Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio into midfield.
The fifth goal arrived in the 59th minute. Nicole Sciberras struck a perfectly curled effort from just outside the area into the top corner, a finish reflecting the confidence and rhythm Hibernians had established.
Further rotations followed. Olivia Nazarko and Amber Galea were withdrawn in the 63rd minute, replaced by Pearl Schembri and Edeson Grixti. The fresh legs maintained intensity, with Pearl Schembri later striking the post in the 83rd minute and Alanah Ghio reading transitions effectively in midfield.
San Gwann continued to search for moments of encouragement. Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio attempted to release Rocio Figueredo with a delicate pass in the 81st minute, but Maya Muscat read the situation well and gathered decisively. San Gwann raised half-hearted claims for a call which the officials were unyielding to.
Despite an attempt to develop something with a short patient spell of possession, the visitors struggled to penetrate a compact and disciplined Hibernians defence. On their part, Hibernians continued to probe, striking the post again and maintaining territorial control.
Final Score: Hibernians 5 – 0 San Gwann
Standings & Next Matches
Hibernians secure the three points to keep their eyes firmly on Swieqi United. The Paolites will next face Birkirkara at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday at 20:30. San Gwann will brace themselves for the match against Swieqi United on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi
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[…] take their tally to 22 points, with a battle against Hibernians awaiting next. The Paolites come into it following a confident win against San Gwann. The two will meet at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30 on […]