by Hibernians were held to a 2–2 draw by Swieqi United, despite the Paolites creating the clearer opportunities and hitting the woodwork thrice in a match they largely controlled. Andjela Kricak’s opener was cancelled by Sylivia Kabene, before the Paolites nudged themselves into the lead courtesy of Misozi Zulu. However, Swieqi United ensured the point apiece following a fine strike from Ema Micallef.
Team Selections
Patricia Araujo continued her stay in goal, also retaining the captain’s armband. Jade Schembri and Jade Flask provided the width to Valentina Rapa and Miriana Conti in defence. Michaela Cachia anchored the midfield, with Ema Micallef balancing Sarah Urpani. Andjela Kricak created behind the attacking front composed of Sara Saliba and Salamatu Abdulai.
Maya Cachia started in goal for Hibernians behind a trio of Amber Galea, Natalee Geren and Amy Catania. Cali Schechinger and Georgiana Mifsud operated on the flanks. Captain Nicole Sciberras steered things from midfield, flanked by Francesca Bartolo and Kayleigh Chetcuti. Sylivia Kabene and Misozi Zulu led the attack.
How It Unfolded
The match kicked off to a cagey opening between two sides looking to find their rhythm, with the sole target of earning the win to separate themselves in second place.
Swieqi United had an early opportunity to swing the ball into the box from a set-piece, but Cali Schechinger was alert to clear the delivery, with Jade Schembri’s second ball in clutched by Maya Cachia.
Hibernians responded with a good spell of possession and a clear intent on testing the Swieqi United defence on pace. However, Patricia Araujo was alert to sweep against the run of Sylivia Kabene, with the Brazilian goalkeeper also tested by Misozi Zulu in an early set of chances.
At the other end, Sara Saliba and Andjela Kricak combined with neat one-touch football before involving Salamatu Abdulai. However, the attempt to release Sara Saliba was well read by Amy Catania who shuffled across to make the clearance.
The deadlock was broken in the 14th minute. Sara Saliba was clipped on the turn just outside the penalty box. Andjela Kricak lobbed the wall effectively from the free-kick, and though Maya Cachia got something on the shot, the Serbian’s effort was deemed to have cleared the goal line.
Hibernians thought they had levelled terms just four minutes later, as Misozi Zulu placed home the effort to convert a cross from Sylivia Kabene. However, she was ruled offside by Milos Solakovic.
Still, the Paolites pushed forward with a better spell of possession, shrinking Swieqi United’s presence on the ball, with the Owls forced to go long and failing to get through the midfield.
Misozi Zulu was next to be denied twice by the post in a single attack on the half-hour mark. The Zambian latched onto another cut-back from Sylivia Kabene, but Ema Micallef did enough to deflect the first shot into the left post, before the rebound clipped the other one.
Still, the perseverance was rewarded with Sylivia Kabene finding the equaliser three minutes later. An initial shot by the Ugandan appeared to be blocked by Jade Flask. However, the clearance was poor, with Kabene burying the rebound into the top right corner.
Paula Buttigieg had her hand in her pocket just before the half-time whistle as the battle between Amy Catania and Sara Saliba flared, with Saliba landing in the book.
Hibernians sought a strong finish to the half, but Swieqi United’s Salamatu Abdulai dispossessed Kayleigh Chetcuti effectively as the Paolites attempted to make the most of a late corner kick.
Half-Time Score: Swieqi United 1 – 1 Hibernians
The second half opened with renewed intent from the visitors. Misozi Zulu tested Patricia Araujo early with a curling effort towards the top corner, forcing a fine save. That momentum translated into a deserved lead after 56 minutes, as a perfectly executed counter-attack saw Kayleigh Chetcuti release Sylivia Kabene down the right, with Misozi Zulu arriving to apply a composed finish into the left corner.
Swieqi struggled to link play consistently with Andjela Kricak working tirelessly in midfield but the Owls still appeared disjointed in creating momentum. Still, a rare moment of attacking persistence finally paid off after the hour mark. Sara Saliba kept a move alive with the forward’s supporting run found by Jade Flask. She roped in Sarah Urpani whose effort was blocked . The ball fell invitingly for Ema Micallef who arrived at the edge of the box to strike a superb first-time left-footed finish into the left side of the goal to level the match once more.
Substitutions followed on both sides as the game opened up again. Hibernians continued to look dangerous with Amy Catania striking the post from a short free-kick, while Sylivia Kabene caused repeated problems between Swieqi’s centre-backs, though without the final touch required.
The match became increasingly stretched as fatigue set in. Hibernians introduced fresh legs in Ileana Farrugia, Leah Ayres and Yolande Attard in search of a late winner, while Swieqi recharged with the introduction of Emma Xuereb in defence and Eva Koneva in midfield.
Appeals for a handball penalty were waved away, adding to the growing frustration on the Hibernians bench. The decisive moment almost arrived deep into stoppage time when Sylivia Kabene fired over the bar from close range after finding space in the box, a missed opportunity that summed up the night for the Paolites. Swieqi had a late appeal of their own, but an offside flag brought proceedings to a close.
Final Score: Swieqi United 2 – 2 Hibernians
Standings & Next Matches
Swieqi United retain second place following the draw, with Mgarr United hoping to extend their lead up front should they win their encounter against fourth-placed Birkirkara this evening. Those two meet at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00.
Hibernians will be keeping a close eye on the Greens as they next face the league leaders this Thursday at the Centenary Stadium (20:15). Swieqi United return to action against Valletta on Saturday at the Charles Abela Stadium (KO 18:00).
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi
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1 Response
[…] It has been a weekend full of direct confrontations at a stage of the season where the time to shine is running out. Mgarr United are going into the match seeking to continue their form, further invigorated by yesterday’s draw between Swieqi United & Hibernians. […]