Hibs Book Place In Jubilee Final With Second-Half Goal Rush Against B’Kara

Hibernians secured the first place in the MFA Women’s Jubilee Cup final, beating Birkirkara by 3 – 0. Neither side could truly take charge of the match in the opening half, but a long-range strike from Hibernians’ captain Nicole Sciberras was the key to tilt the balance. A brace from Sylivia Kabene put the comeback out of reach for the Stripes.

Team Selections

Maya Cachia returned in goal for Hibernians, behind a defensive quartet of Georgiana Mifsud, Amber Galea, Jessica Dimech and Cali Schechinger. Captain Nicole Sciberras and Natalee Geren were unchanged in midfield, with Misozi Zulu continuing to operate in the number ten position. Ileana Farrugia and Leah Ayres started on the flanks, with Sylivia Kabene leading the attack.

Julia Zarb continued to hold the spot in Birkirkara’s goal, behind a shuffled back four. Captain Stephania Farrugia continued to lead from the back, partnering Haruhi Sekura, with Selina Anima and Lara May Azzopardi chosen to protect the flanks. Gabriella Zahra operated with Ylenia Grech in midfield, while Mariah Cardona and Stella Francalanza operated on the flanks. Izabella Stringer and Momo Ueda led the attack.

How It Unfolded

It had every making of a semi-final, with both sides hitting the ground in a frantic opening that had referee Igor Kankaras busy throughout the match. Hibernians were looking to startle Birkirkara’s defence, with every attempt at challenging their resolve, but the Stripes dealt with the early rush.

Julia Zarb was called to action in the sixth minute, rushing off her line to counteract Leah Ayres’ attempt to release Sylivia Kabene at the back, with Haruhi Sekura doing enough to shield the goalkeeper.

Birkirkara responded with an opportunity to launch a free-kick from midfield. However, Momo Ueda’s deep delivery remained untouched.

Both sets of supporters were making their voices heard, eager to get themselves into the referee’s ear, while also hoping to instil belief in their team. The touchlines were as animated as one would expect, with Billy Mock and Martina Borg dishing out encouragement and instructions, in between tiny frustrations.

The Stripes almost played themselves into trouble, with Selina Anima extending a foot to deal with a ball launched behind that ended in a perfect release for Sylivia Kabene. However, she skewed the left-footed shot.

At the other end, the Hibernians defence was doing enough to keep the Stripes’ forward line quiet, with neither side truly settled in the match and struggling to string good play together.

Igor Kankaras continued to be at the centre of play, with a challenge by Misozi Zulu on Stephania Farrugia earning plenty of jeers from the crowd. However, the referee stuck to a stern talking to for the Zambian, with Birkirkara unable the capitalise on the opportunity to launch from midfield.

Half-Time Score: Hibernians 0 – 0 Birkirkara

Both coaches flinched at the break. Martina Borg changed up the wings with Sarah Vella Barberi and Kayleigh Chetcuti replacing Ileana Farrugia and Leah Ayres. Billy Mock thrusted Amy Busuttil into midfield instead of Gabriella Zahra who picked up a knock in the first half.

Vella Barberi’s introduction proved fruitful for the Paolites, with the youngster injecting some excitement on the wing, taking on Selina Anima to find space for a cross. However, Momo Ueda dealt with it in the box.

The Paolites’ midfield duo Natalee Geren and Nicole Sciberras continued to slog away in midfield, building pressure on the right side of the attack. Misozi Zulu and Sarah Vella Barberi showed some dynamic play in swapping within attack, for Vella Barberi to come inside and fire the shot. However, Birkirkara’s defence applied a double block to keep the side at bay.

At the other end, Mariah Cardona continued to be the one attempting to find some space, but Hibernians were untroubled in isolating the forward as she attempted to dribble inside, with the cross unfavoured.

Billy Mock injected another change in attack, bringing on Izabella Camilleri instead of Izabella Stringer up top. Meanwhile, the Stripes’ defence continued to attempt to keep off the Paolites, with Lara May Azzopardi involved in a meaty clearance for a corner as Kayleigh Chetcuti attempted to cut inside at the byline.

The corner proved the trigger for the winning ticket to send Hibernians in the lead in the 65th minute. The initial delivery wasn’t dealt with cleanly, with Natalee Geren firing a left-footed effort that was also blocked. However, Nicole Sciberras picked up the pieces. The skipper floated effort from outside the box that found the back of the far right side of the net, earning a roar from the stands and on the pitch.

Billy Mock responded with another change with Maia Gauci replacing Stella Francalanza on the wing. However, the Paolites found confidence in the goal to add to their tally. Natalee Geren launched from midfield to find Sarah Vella Barberi’s run into space out wide. The winger continued her stellar run of assisting form to find Sylivia Kabene at the far post who doubled the lead in the 71st minute.

Further changes ensued from both benches, with Martina Borg withdrawing Amber Galea, Misozi Zulu and Cali Schechinger late on. Nyorah Celeste, Suzanne Farrugia Sacco and Yolande Attard took to the pitch in their stead. Billy Mock also withdrew Ylenia Grech and Lara May Azzopardi, with Kay Axiak and Krista Sacco trusted for the final minutes.

Birkirkara earned the opportunity to half the deficit from a free-kick in the final third, which once again continued to earn jeers for Igor Kankaras at the lack of cards shown throughout the match. Momo Ueda found Stephania Farrugia, with the defender getting something on it. Izabella Camilleri and Mariah Cardona both attempted to make something of the loose ball, but Maya Cachia remained unchallenged throughout the match.

Hibernians wrapped up the win with a goal in injury time. The Stripes fell to momentary confusion as Igor Kankaras acknowledged the offside flag but applied common modern football rules, rarely seen on the pitch, against stopping play since the Paolites’ forward made no touch, thus allowing Birkirkara to play on without stoppage. However, poor release fed the ball straight into Sylivia Kabene who made the most of it to charge down the goal and place into the bottom of the net.

Final Score: Hibernians 3 – 0 Birkirkara

Next Matches

The Paolites become the first team to book their spot in the MFA 125th Year Women’s Jubilee Cup final, which is scheduled for the 8th December. They will meet Swieqi United or Mgarr United, with those two battling it out this afternoon at 17:30 at the Centenary Stadium.

Until then, the Paolites set sights on further league action, with Swieqi United lined up on Thursday 20th at 20:15 at the Centenary Stadium. Birkirkara will prepare themselves to face the league leaders, Mgarr United, on Saturday (22nd) at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00.

Lead Image: Maraya Gauci

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