by Mgarr United secured a 1 – 0 victory over Swieqi United, courtesy of an injury time penalty scored by Valeria Villegas Caly. A dull opening half led to a frenzied late second half, with Swieqi United walking away ruing hitting the crossbar twice, while having to deal with a suspension as they head into the final phase.
Team Selections
Giulia D’Antuono started in goal for Mgarr United. Kayah Abela Sciberras and Yanina Mendez started as the full-backs. Abigail Camilleri captained the side, maintining her stay alongside Leanne Cefai at the back. Maia Debono started alongside Amber Grech in front of the defence, while Valeria Villegas Caly and Alejandra Villegas Caly started on the flanks. Yulya Carella operated in the middle, behind debutant Luz Hernandez who led the line.
Meanwhile, Patricia Araujo returned in goal for Swieqi United, protected by the returning Tammy Falzon and Rafanny Mendoza Abache partnership. Jade Schembri and Emma Xuereb operated as the full-backs. Michaela Cachia returned as the pivot in front of the defence, behind captain Shona Zammit and Sarah Urpani. Karima Abdulai and Salamatu Abdulai led the attack.
How It Unfolded
The impact of the Christmas period was evident in an opening half that struggled to come to life. Both sides had a couple of half chances from open play but struggled for purchase. Mgarr United looked to release their new striker, Luz Hernandez, behind Swieqi United’s defence. However, Tammy Falzon and Rafanny Mendoza Abache were up to the task. At the other end, Swieqi United attempted to get their forwards on the run but found Mgarr United’s defensive line well positioned to suffocate the space.
Meanwhile, the two goalkeepers were solid in the air to relieve pressure from corner deliveries. In midfield, neither side were afraid to throw in a tackle, but quality in possession left much to be desired. However, the coaches made up for the entertainment, with the duo animated in their own ways as they looked to get their points across.
Shona Zammit looked set to flip the script with a sumptuous curled free-kick from the right wing. Aimed for the far corner, the Swieqi skipper had her head in her hands as the ball floated but hugged the woodwork and bounced out.
Mgarr United had a similar opportunity towards the latter stages of the half, but Yulya Carella’s delivery was clutched by Patricia Araujo, with Valeria Villegas Caly’s head just missing the ball.
Half-Time Score: Mgarr United 0 – 0 Swieqi United
Things could only get better and indeed Swieqi United strung some good possession as the second half began. Several players were involved, with Ema Micallef’s one touch pass unlocking the move for Salamatu Abdulai to head into space out wide. She found Shona Zammit on the edge of the box, but the skipper’s effort was denied. Still, the football gave those in the Swieqi stand some encouragement with the support making themselves heard.
However, Mgarr United responded to snatch the momentum of the half soon after. Patricia Araujo was called into action with with another deep delivery from Yulya Carella. Maia Debono also made a crucial interception in midfield to send her team in transition. However, the side wasted the opportunity in having a three on three run at the Swieqi defeence.
Ryan Vella freshened up the side with a double swap at the 65th minute. Rebecca Bajada took her place at right-back, instead of Kayah Abela Sciberras, while Veronique Mifsud replaced Yulya Carella in the number ten position.
The two were quickly involved, as the Greens pushed forward. Valeria Villegas Caly was denied by a stop from Patricia Araujo from close range, before stress rose in the Swieqi United box as Mgarr United drove forward.
The Greens appealed for a penalty which referee Adam Brighton was quick to dismiss. He shortly reached in his pocket for a booking on either side as altercations ensued just outside the box as Swieqi United looked to emerge with the ball.
Having withstood the pressure, the Owls looked set to switch momentum once more. Sarah Urpani was denied from a free-kick by Giulia D’Antuono, before Rafanny Mendoza Abache struck the crossbar with a headed effort from the resulting corner. Abigail Camilleri was twice called to make a crucial block to deny the Owls a chance to work Giulia D’Antuono from open play.
The Greens gave it one last go with Alejandra Villegas Caly making a crucial push to win the ball high up the pitch, before releasing Luz Hernandez. The forward was impeded on her way into the box, with referee Adam Brighton sending Tammy Falzon off for an early shower. However, Veronique Mifsud’s effort from the free-kick lacked the dip to trouble Patricia Araujo.
Swieqi United attempted to adjust with ten players for the final ten minutes of the match, looking to hold on to the point. Michaela Cachia dropped in a defensive partnership with Rafanny Mendoza Abache, while Salamatu Abdulai dropped into midfield.
On their part, Mgarr United looked to pile pressure, with the full-backs thrusted high up the pitch. Things looked to be heading toward a goalless stalemate as Mgarr failed to convert, while Swieqi United attempted to run down the clock.
However, Luz Hernandez made one more crucial contribution on her debut. She darted across in the box, prompting a clip that earned Mgarr United the penalty they craved in injury time. Valeria Villegas Caly stepped up with a finish into the bottom right corner to send the Greens’ support on their feet, and those on the pitch into jubilation on the touchline.
Rodiana Borg made an appearance in replacement of Yanina Mendez for the final throes of the match as the Greens looked to see off their late win.
Final Score: Mgarr United 1 – 0 Swieqi United
Standings & Next Matches
The victory enables the Greens to close the gap to Swieqi United to one point. Hibernians and Birkirkara have the opportunity to leapfrog into first and second place should they get the better of Lija Athletic and Mtarfa respectively this weekend.
Upcoming matches are still to be announced as the Assikura Women’s League heads toward the second phase.
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
