by Goalkeepers came out on top as Hibernians & Swieqi United settled for a goalless draw. Shona Zammit & Kayleigh Chetcuti came closest for the two teams, both hitting the crossbar. However, goalkeepers Maya Cachia and Patricia Araujo walked away the happiest, with a fine display at either end to keep their clean sheet. The match also featured a first return from long-term injury for Swieqi’s Jade Flask.
Team Selections
Maya Cachia started in goal for Hibernians, behind an unchanged back-line consisting of Georgiana Mifsud, Amber Galea, Jessica Dimech and Cali Schechinger. Natalee Geren and captain Nicole Sciberras continued to operate in midfield. Nyorah Celeste and Kayleigh Chetcuti provided the width, with Misozi Zulu supporting Sylivia Kabene in attack.
Similarly, there were no changes in goal for Swieqi United with Patricia Araujo continuing to operate between the posts. Jade Schembri and Sarah Urpani provided the width in defence, to Valentina Rapa and Tammy Falzon. The trio of Michaela Cachia, Andjela Kricak and captain Shona Zammit continued to orchestrate behind the attacking front of Aleksandra Yaneva, Sara Saliba and Salamatu Abdulai.
How It Unfolded
It was an open contest with two teams looking for nothing other than a win, creating heaps of opportunities throughout, but unable to find the winning touch.
Patricia Araujo was worked well by Sylivia Kabene who struck a curler from a tight angle within the seventh minute. Swieqi United responded with a free-kick from the wing, but could not make it pay with Hibernians first to the opportunity and Michaela Cachia not able to control the second shot.
Hibernians were keen to make their impact with blistering pace. Nyorah Celeste was a crucial trigger, linking with Sylivia Kabene. However, the Ugandan dawdled to play the pass with Valentina Rapa closing well. Kabene was on the charge again moments later, but this time found Patricia Araujo ready to get a strong palm on the shot in a one on one opportunity.
At the other end, Shona Zammit came closest with a direct corner-kick, clipping the crossbar. Tammy Falzon was closed off before being able to make anything of the rebound. The defender continued to position herself well for further opportunities, but unable to get the touch to convert the finish.
It continued to paint the pitcure of the match, with Sara Saliba also getting heaps of opportunities as the side floated balls into the box with full-backs eager to push forward. However, the final touch continued to elude the striker. Emerging from between Hibernians’ defence in a foot-race ten-minute from half-time, the forward lengthened the stride, allowing too much of a look for Maya Cachial. The goalkeeper positioned herself well to swoop in for the collection before the strike.
The open contest ensued, with Hibernians enduring increased pressure, but keen on showing no signs of letting up their own stake in the match. Georgiana Mifsud rose to meet a corner delivery, but couldn’t get the pace on it to trouble Patricia Araujo in goal. Kayleigh Chetcuti pounced on a loose ball just outside the box before half-time, but the Owls were let off the hook with the finish fizzing over the top right post.
Half-Time Score: Hibernians 0 – 0 Swieqi United
There was one change at the break, with Hibernians’ Leah Ayres replacing Nyorah Celeste in a straight swap. The match picked up right where it left off, with the two sides creative in opportunities.
Salamatu Abdulai showed her pace on the wing, before managing the cut-back to Aleksandra Yaneva. However, her shot was well blocked. Michaela Cachia attempted an effort from range shortly after but found Maya Cachia alert to collect.
At the other end, Misozi Zulu was wayward with a long-range effort, before Leah Ayres was in on goal shortly after. Patricia Araujo was next to earn the plaudits, coming out to close the angle, before rushing to clear before Sylivia Kabene arrived for the rebound.
Kayleigh Chetchuti came closest for Hibernians, clipping the crossbar with a direct free-kick that had Araujo scrambling. The Owls’ found some luck with the ball bouncing off the goalkeeper kindly for the clearance.
Swieqi United responded with opportunities of their own, with Sara Saliba striking another effort on target but finding Maya Cachia alert at the near post. Shona Zammit delivered a free-kick toward Valentina Rapa, but the defender’s finish was also collected by the goalkeeper.
Both coaches freshened things up. Swieqi’s Jade Flask made her first appearance this season, fresh from a lengthy injury that took her out against the same Hibernians, as the Owls closed in on their maiden title last year. She slotted at left-back. Jade Schembri made way, with Sarah Urpani shifting to the right. Ema Micallef also returned from injury in midfield, with Aleksandra Yaneva making way and Shona Zammit shifting wide.
Meanwhile, Hibernians’ Misozi Zulu was replaced by Suzanne Farrugia Sacco for Hibernians. Ileana Farrugia also made a late appearance for Kayleigh Chetcuti who hobbled off the pitch.
The two teams continued much in the same way. Andjela Kricak continued to display exceptional work ethic, with the Serbian wriggling through challenges to dart inward in the box. However, Sara Saliba’s finish from inside the six-yard box flew over the bar.
The Owls almost punished on the counter shortly after, with Salamatu Abdula on the trot against Amber Galea. However, the young defender recovered well to put enough pressure for Maya Cachia to come out and collect, with the goalkeeper continuing a fine display.
A similar play kicked off with Tammy Falzon dispossessing Sylivia Kabene, before the defender found Andjela Kricak who released Salamatu Abdulai. However, Cali Schechinger put enough pressure on Sara Saliba to deny the finish.
Coaches Martina Borg and Dorianne Theuma continued to have their own contest on the touchline, with the two animated in getting their instructions across as the time ticked and fatigue set in. However final efforts from Nicole Sciberras, Leah Ayres and Ema Micallef missed the mark, with the two sides having to settle for the draw.
Final Score: Hibernians 0 – 0 Swieqi United
Standings & International Break
The two sides remain level pegging in second place, with the opportunity open for Mgarr United to extend their lead at the top to eight points, or for Birkirkara to narrow their own for an opportunity to catch up to the two.
Mgarr United & Birkirkara will play their match on Saturday, while tonight will present the bottom of the table clash between San Gwann & Valletta (Victor Tedesco Stadium, 20:30).
Assikura Women's League - Standings
The teams will make way for the international break as Malta’s senior side faces Croatia in a double-header on the 28th November (19:00) and the 1st December (17:00) at the Centenary Stadium. Malta’s U19s will also be in action in the UEFA Women’s U19 Championship Qualification matches.
Swieqi United will return to action against Valletta on the 13th December, at the Charles Abela Stadium (18:00). Hibernians will return to domestic competition in to contest the Jubilee Cup final against Mgarr United, on the 8th December.
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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Good match. Tight as expected, and what the second half occasionally lacked in flow it made up for in suspense. Could have gone either way although I thought Hibs came closer.