Knock-Out Draw: Swieqi to face Birkirkara, Mgarr Pitted Against Hibernians in first round blockbusters

As the Assikura Women’s League heads to its final throes for this season, the Assikura Women’s Knock-Out looms on the horizon. The tournament will be held between the 2^nd and the 12^th of May. The draw promises thrilling ties from the first whistle.

First Bracket

The first bracket of fixtures sets Raiders Lija against Mtarfa FC. Raiders won all of this year’s league encounters between the two and completely shut out Mtarfa. However, the second encounter was a tight affair with just a single goal separating the two. The two sides have relatively young squads with just enough experience around them to make for an exciting match. Both will relish the opportunity to progress to the next round of fixtures which will set them against one of the strongest possible opposition in the league.

The match at the other side of the bracket is worthy of a final within itself, as holders Birkirkara FC will challenge Swieqi United for a place in the semi-final. The sides drew in the opening match of the league back in September, however, the stripes won the latter two encounters with just a single-goal margin. Birkirkara also won the super-cup between the two, which gives them a mental advantage going into the match. However, Swieqi United have plenty of firepower, and having already yielded the league and the super cup to the Stripes this year, they will have an extra incentive to spoil the party early on.

Second Bracket

On the other side of the draw is another firecracker of a match as Mgarr United will take on Hibernians FC. The greens emerged victorious in two of their three fixtures this season, whilst the sides shared the spoils in the second match. Despite the losses, Hibernians will have a spring in their step after having beaten second-placed Swieqi United in their final league match of the season. The side will also be the fresher of the two having wrapped up their league commitments a week earlier.

The team that will surely be in the semi-final is San Gwann FC who will automatically progress from the first round after receiving a BYE. They will face the winner of the fixture between Mgarr United and Hibernians FC. San Gwann suffered a few heavy defeats against both sides in the league this year, however, they will surely do their utmost to frustrate their opponents, whoever it may be.

The first round of fixtures will be played between the 2^nd and 3^rd of May.