by Hibernians edged out Swieqi United on penalties as the two sides could not be separated after extra-time. Both sides had opportunities, with Nicole Sciberras and Emma Xuereb also striking the crossbar for either side. However, the defences came out on top, with the result decided by the shootout.
Team Selections
Kenneth Costantino retained faith in Elizabeth Harrington in goal. Amber Galea and Georgiana Mifsud started in defence with Natalee Geren. Yolande Attard and Ileana Farrugia operated as wing-backs, while Kayleigh Chetcuti and Nicole Sciberras continued to hold the midfield. Joelma Alves Gabriel and captain Martina Borg supported Alexis Espitia in attack.
Meanwhile, Dorianne Theuma stuck to consistency in the line-up, with Patricia Araujo fronted by Tammy Falzon, Rafanny Mendoza Abache, Emma Xuereb and Jade Schembri. The diamond in midfield continued to be complete by Michaela Cachia, Sarah Urpani, Shona Zammit and Ema Micallef. Karima Abdulai and Salamatu Abdulai continued their partnership in attack.
How It Unfolded
Swieqi United earned the early opportunity from a corner kick which was palmed by Elizabeth Harrington, before Sarah Urpani’s shot was blocked. Shona Zammit rang alarms intercepting a pass from Elizabeth Harrington, but Natalee Geren thwarted the cross.
Hibernians responded with increasing momentum as Joelma Alves Gabriel skipped through midfield before feeding Alexis Espitia. She back-heeled Martina Borg into the action, whose finish was saved by Patricia Araujo. The Paolites’ skipper fired a mirrored effort from the other side shortly after, with the Brazilian goalkeeper retaining her composure against it. At the other end, Sarah Urpani’s cross was met by a towering Karima Abdulai, but the finish was well wide.
As time elapsed, Hibernians grew into the stronger side, effectively pressing Swieqi United as they looked to play out from the back. The Paolites were successful in suffocating the midfield and carry the forward momentum. However, Shona Zammit was often effective in enabling Swieqi United to charge out, with the midfielder a humming along relentlessly in getting the team moving forward for the entire match.
Both sides had opportunities with set-pieces, but the defences came out on top. Natalee Geren had Hibernians’ faithful with hands on mouths with a venomous effort from distance, but it fizzed just over the bar. The American was solid at the back, leading in keeping the Swieqi United forwards quiet, with support from the young duo Amber Galea and Georgiana Mifsud.
Swieqi United kicked off the second half better with improvement in linking play through the midfield, but Hibernians still held the threat on transition. Ema Micallef sought to thread a neat pass for Salamatu Abdulai behind, but Elizabeth Harrington was off her line to snuff out the danger. At the other end Joelma Alves Gabriel responded with a shot on the turn which flew just wide of the mark.
Nicole Sciberras came closest from the two sides in open play, with a sweetly-struck effort from distance that clipped the bar in the 55th minute.
Still the teams trudged on in search of breaking the deadlock, throwing energy into their play, but often lacking the quality in the final deliveries.
Dorianne Theuma was the first to dip into the bench to shake things up in the 65th minute, bringing on Miriana Conti at left-back, with Emma Xuereb shifting to the right for the departing Jade Schembri. Kenneth Costantino responded minutes later, with a swap on the wing, bringing on Sarah Vella Barberi instead of Yolande Attard.
As the final ten minutes approached, Hibernians’ Martina Borg and Kayleigh Chetcuti both drove into space in midfield and let fly efforts from distance, but Patricia Araujo was equal to both. It was hand in mouth time as Karima Abdulai caught the defence on the ball at the other end, but she dawdled on the shot allowing Natalee Geren who bolted in to close the shot effectively.
Kenneth Costantino responded by deploying Leah Ayres instead of Georgiana Mifsud at the final minutes of the ninety, with the sides going into extra time soon after.
Tensions rose an extra notch with the match hanging in the balance and the possibility of penalties looming. Hibernians started the additional period with better creation and flowing football up the right wing. However, the final ball continued to elude them with the Swieqi United centre-backs effective in showing the forwards the byline.
Chances followed at either end, with tired legs starting to set in. Hibernians’ midfield duo Kayleigh Chetcuti and Nicole Sciberras combined in attack, with the latter firing a left-footed effort that was saved by Patricia Araujo. Salamatu Abdulai was on the trot at the other end against the run of play, but her effort toward the far post flew just wide of the mark. Emma Xuereb was the next to add a layer of tension as she also struck the crossbar with a cross from the right wing.
Both coaches made changes for the final minutes, with Chloe Ellul coming on for Hibernians, while Thea Ida Scicluna took to the field for Swieqi United. The defences retained the upper hand, sending the teams into penalties.
Swieqi United appeared to have the upper hand initially, with Ema Micallef and Shona Zammit both converting their kicks, while Martina Borg’s effort was saved by Patricia Araujo. However, the script was flipped as Natalee Geren, Joelma Alves Gabriel and Alexis Espitia converted for Hibernians, while Sarah Urpani and Patricia Aruajo both failed at their attempts for Swieqi United. Rafanny Mendoza Abache injected some hope into the Owls by converting hers, but there was no denying Kayleigh Chetcuti from sending Hibernians into the semi-final with the final spot kick.
Final Score: Hibernians 0 – 0 Swieqi United (4 – 3 on penalties A.E.T.)
Semi-Finals
Hibernians down Swieqi United to ensure they maintain course for a third consecutive final in the Assikura Women’s Knockout since their return. The result also ends treble hopes for Swieqi United, confirming that at least two teams will lift silverware, as was the case in the 22/23 season.
Hibernians will meet San Gwann in the semi-final, who eliminated Valletta. Mgarr United beat Birkirkara to ensure that the holders of the Cup are also eliminated. Mgarr United will contend the other semi-final against Lija Athletic, who on their part beat Mtarfa for the place. Fixtures for the semi-finals are still to be announced.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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