by Hibernians beat San Gwann by 3 – 0 to claim their place in the final of the Assikura Women’s Knockout for a third year running. Alexis Espitia’s opener was followed up by goals by Joelma Alves Gabriel and Martina Borg to send the Paolites into the final with confidence.
Team Selections
Hibernians’ Elizabeth Harrington continued her stay in goal behind a trio consisting of Amber Galea, Natalee Geren and Leah Ayres. Chloe Ellul and Ileana Farrugia started on the wings, while Amy Busuttil partnered Nicole Sciberras in midfield. Alexis Espitia led the attack, supported by captain Martina Borg and Joelma Alves Gabriel.
Meanwhile, Justyne Caruana maintained her place between the posts for San Gwann. There was a shuffle to a back-three with Nanako Kobayashi at its centre, flanked by Mariama Kasim and Jeanelle Falzon. Fatma Al Girbi and Martina Schembri held the midfield, while Nilayza Attard and captain Kirstie Vella started on the wings. Chaimaa Tourki returned to the pitch in attack with Hailey Russell and Shania Gheiti.
How It Unfolded
The onus was fully on Hibernians to dislodge the disciplined San Gwann unit and find the opener. The Paolites started with a good rhythm to their play, moving the ball at a good pace to try to open up spaces for early shots. Amy Busuttil sent a searching ball from the wing which landed just off the far post in the early throes.
At the other end, Hailey Russell was being kept fairly quiet by Natalee Geren. The defender was keen on pushing the team forward, while Amber Galea was adventurous with a forward surge to also ping a cross in.
The Paolites truly started knocking in the 27th minute as Alexis Espitia was well-found in the box with an aerial ball. However, Justyne Caruana did enough to close the angle with the Paolites earning the corner.
San Gwann saw off the threat from four corner deliveries, but were undone by a returning aerial delivery inside the 30th minute. Natalee Geren launched a precise long-ball into the box, which compatriot Alexis Espitia flicked over Justyne Caruana for the opener.
San Gwann returned with hard-work up front as Hailey Russell managed to get the run on Natalee Geren. However, the defender did enough to deny the space for the shot before recovering possession.
On their part, Hibernians returned back to the task of adding to their tally with Martina Borg and Nicole Sciberras often at the heart of play, dropping deep to pick up possession and dislodge the unit. Often looking toward the wing-backs for support, Ileana Farrugia was doing well to widen the pitch and run into space to support attacks, with Martina Borg, Alexis Espitia and Joelma Alves Gabriel supporting with runs inside. However, San Gwann were doing well enough against the crosses.
The next big opportunity was from a long-range effort as Martina Borg fired from outside the box but was denied from finding the far post by the woodwork.
Half-Time Score: Hibernians 1 – 0 San Gwann
Hibernians kept up their focus on extending the lead with the second goal coming just before the hour mark. Joelma Alves Gabriel connected with a cross from the left wing, with the power in the shot beating Justyne Caruana from close range.
Kenneth Costantino made his first change shortly after, bringing on Yolande Attard instead of Chloe Ellul on the wing. Ileana Farrugia threatened from distance but found Justyne Caruana ready to palm it for a corner.
However, the Paolites found the third from a free-kick in the 67th minute. Natalee Geren played another precise aerial delivery to find Martina Borg at the far post. The skipper placed a low finish from a tight angle to find the back of the net, in what could be her final goal before she hangs up her boots, depending on Thursday’s final.
Both coaches made changes with Martina Borg, Elizabeth Harrington & Joelma Alves Gabriel making way for Nyorah Celeste, Maya Muscat and Sarah Vella Barberi for Hibernians. Meanwhile, Thais Muscat and Annabelle Rapa were introduced for San Gwann instead of Shania Gheiti and Kirstie Vella. The duo were followed by Kirsty Paris and Katrin Abela, who replaced Hailey Russell and Chaimaa Tourki late on.
The Paolites kept driving forward in search for more, but could not extend their tally. A final major opportunity just before the full time whistle saw Alexis Espitia square the ball to Yolande Attard who made the supporting run into the box. However, her effort was fired straight into Justyne Caruana who reacted well to deny the extension.
Final Score: Hibernians 3 – 0 San Gwann
The Final
The victory takes Hibernians to a third consecutive final, which they will play against Mgarr United, following the latter’s victory against Lija Athletic later in the day.
The final will be played on Thursday 1st May at the Centenary Stadium. The exact time of the fixture that will close off the women’s domestic season in Malta is still to be announced.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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[…] make the final after eliminating league champions, Swieqi United, on penalties, before overcoming San Gwann by 3 – 0. Hibernians’ coach, Kenneth Costantino, was probed on whether he believes his side had the […]