Late Header Hands Swieqi Victory Over Birkirkara

Swieqi United pulled a late triumph to secure a 2 – 1 win against Birkirkara. Valentina Rapa got the Stripes into the lead just before the break, but Rafanny Mendoza Abache equalised shortly into the restart. Jade Flask headed home just before injury time to secure the win for the Owls, with Swieqi captain Shona Zammit earning two assists in the match.

Team Selections

Patricia Araujo started between the posts for Swieqi United. Tammy Falzon returned in partnership with Rafanny Mendoza Abache, while Emma Xuereb and Jade Schembri continued to operate as full-backs. Michaela Cachia started as the defensive midfielder at the base of the diamond, while captain Shona Zammit, Sarah Urpani and Ema Micallef completed the set. Karima Abdulai and Salamatu Abdulai partnered each other in attack.

There was consistency in Birkirkara’s back line as Maya Cachia was protected by Charlene Zammit, Valentina Rapa, Lara May Azzopardi and Calista Schechinger. Viverly Nanez continued to operate alongside Gabriella Zahra, while Luana Vitoria Cabral supported Erica Bispo in attack. Alishia Cassar captained the side, starting on the right wing, while Mariah Cardona occupied the left.

How It Unfolded

Swieqi United had the earliest sight on goal, with Karima Abdulai spreading it wide for Shona Zammit who made the run on the left side. She thought twice about pulling the shot with her right foot, giving time for Lara May Azzopardi to close out the opportunity.

The Owls were not punished for being casual at the back, as a weak back-pass enabled Erica Bispo to get a free attempt to lob Patricia Araujo, who was caught mid-way. However, the effort was wide of the mark.

There were some concerns as Patricia Araujo called for medical attention a few moments later, but the Brazilian soldiered on. The Stripes sought to get the upper hand shortly after with a dangerous ball into the box. However, Araujo beat compatriot Luana Vitoria Cabral to it take the sting out of the attack.

Swieqi United took the upper hand as the half-hour mark approached, starting to work their way through the Birkirkara press. However, Maya Cachia was still relatively untroubled, with Charlene Zammit using her experience well in breaking up play.

Still, the Owls managed an opportunity as Shona Zammit crossed a ball into the box which Maya Cachia got fingertips on but could not collect. However, Calista Schechinger did just enough to deny Sarah Urpani at the far post.

Swieqi United looked to be onto something once more with a quick transition, working their way up the right wing. However, Ema Micallef’s cross was blocked by Charlene Zammit. Working a short routine, Shona Zammit curled one toward the far post, but could not find the target.

Having soaked up some pressure, Birkirkara found the opener just before the half-time whistle following successive corners. Swieqi United’s defence was not alive to a second delivery from Calista Schechinger, which was allowed to make its way to the far post, where Valentina Rapa just headed it in to break the deadlock.

Half-Time Score: Swieqi United 0 – 1 Birkirkara

There were no changes at the break from either coach. Birkirkara came into it searching to get a measure of safety into the scoreline. Luana Vitoria Cabral got the run on Tammy Falzon ten minutes into it, before Alishia Cassar and Gabriella Zahra got involved in support. However, Swieqi United’s defence recovered, before the Stripes found Patricia Araujo ready to collect in the air from a resulting corner.

Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma made the only change in the match from the two teams. It was an attacking switch in the 57th minute, bringing on Jade Flask. Ema Micallef made way, with Salamatu Abdulai retreating into the number ten position.

Quietly on their hunt, the Owls equalised just a minute later following successive corners. Although an initial delivery was dealt with by Alishia Cassar at the near post, Shona Zammit gave height and depth to the second. Rafanny Mendoza Abache rose in the box to head get the team level with power in the header.

As expected, tensions rose, with referee Baykus Huseyin keen on maintaining and aura of control by booking Michaela Cachia soon after for a brush against Erica Bispo. However, things unravelled shortly after with two crucial decisions. Huseyin waived away claims from Swieqi United for a clip on Salamatu Abdulai just on the periphery of the box, before Birkirkara transitioned with pace in response and Erica Bispo was decked by another late challenge from Rafanny Mendoza Abache in the box. Having blown for none, the officials were equal in the decision making for both teams, although the two incidents might have made for very different outcomes in the match and in the league title.

However, the sides kept pushing on. Birkirkara had an opportunity from a corner, with Viverly Nanez arriving at the edge of the box and striking sweetly but seeing it fizz just over the bar. With ten minutes to play, another chance went begging for Birkirkara from a corner. Although Swieqi cleared the initial delivery, Charlene Zammit kept the attack alive with a goal-bound shot, but the touch from Erica Bispo inside the six-yard box just crept wide of the right post.

Although the chances put momentum in the Stripes’ claim, tensions continued to rise in the stands with the clock ticking down and the opportunities ebbing away. The side had another few half-chances from open play, with a cross from Luana Vitoria Cabral that Gabriella Zahra headed wide from the box, before the Brazilian’s next delivery was collected by Patricia Araujo.

Swieqi United had been quiet in possession, with Birkirkara appearing to edge closer to a defining moment, bar from another header from Rafanny Mendoza Abache, which crept wide. However, the team appeared to take the opportunity to reset as referee Baykus Huseyin was involved in discussion with Birkirkara’s captain Alishia Cassar. Swieqi captain Shona Zammit was dishing out the instructions, while those in support urged their side on.

Having withstood much pressure, the Owls grabbed the decisive moment right on the ninety minute mark. Shona Zammit sped on the left wing, before hanging up a cross toward Jade Flask. Swieqi’s number eight placed the header into the right corner of the net before running off in celebration with the team.

Final Score: Swieqi United 2 – 1 Birkirkara

Standings & Next Matches

Swieqi United managed to pull away from Birkirkara for the time being, settling on 35 points in second place, while Birkirkara maintain third on 32. Hibernians still lead the table following their 1-1 draw against Mgarr United, but by two points (37). On their part, Mgarr United equal Birkirkara on 32 points.

Hibernians and Swieqi United will battle it out next Saturday 1st February at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00. Birkirkara and Mgarr United will seek to pull away from each other just after, with the match starting at 16:30.

Lead Image: Lara Schembri 

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