by Lija Athletic secured a 2 – 0 victory courtesy of a second-half brace by Vanessa Honorio Carneiro. The team was denied from extending as Shakira Bugeja was denied by the woodwork twice, while Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez also clipped the crossbar.
Team Selections
Mtarfa’s captain, Dorienne Grech, continued her stay in goal behind an defensive quartet of Angele Fenech, Rebecca Zammit, Paula Ciappara and Claire Versteegh. Jasmine Camilleri and Oumayma Jelili started on the flanks, while Maria Abdilla and Eliza Csik operated in midfield with Katie Gribbon. Shania Spiteri led the attack.
Isabel Sanchez continued her stay in goal for Lija Athletic, behind a shuffled back-four. Shakira Bugeja and Milena Stagno started as full-backs, while Ilona Sultana partnered captain Sarah Caruana in the centre of the defence. Nell Zarb Cousin partnered Laury Carrasco Gonzalez in midfield, while Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez operated further forward. Lisa Calleja and Edera Marmara’ started on the flanks, while Vanessa Honorio Carneiro led the attack.
How It Unfolded
The matched kicked off under the afternoon sun, with both sides keen on making their mark. However, the clean sheets were kept intact early on as Vanessa Honorio Carneiro’s release was well anticipated by Dorienne Grech, before Milena Stagno cleared a dangerous cross from Jasmine Camilleri at the other end.
Neither side truly settled on the ball and the offside flag was raised on multiple occasions to the frustration of both sides as they attempted to breach defences. Mtarfa came under pressure as Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez won the ball high up the pitch, darting straight into the box, but finding Dorienne Grech ready to make the touch for the corner.
Lija Athletic sounded the warning once more in the 23rd minute, courtesy of a direct free-kick from Shakira Bugeja. However, the number seven was denied by the crossbar.
The match opened up as the 25th minute elapsed, with chances developed at either ends. Jasmine Camilleri made a strong dart forward, but found Ilona Sultana ready to stick out a timely foot to deny the opportunity for the shot. Oumayma Jelili also attempted an effort from distance which curled wide of the mark.
At the other end, Vanessa Honorio Carneiro was released behind but found Dorienne Grech ready to make the first save, before Paula Ciappara cleared to safety. The Brazilian caused more alarms moments later, taking out her marker on the dribble, but miscuing the volley, sending both teams into the dressing rooms locked level.
Half-Time Score: Mtarfa 0 – 0 Lija Athletic
Jethron Azzopardi made a double switch on the wings in the early stages of the second half. Phoebe Camilleri and Maria Ibrahim replaced Edera Marmara’ and Lisa Calleja.
Lija Athletic felt somewhat aggrieved as they deemed Vanessa Honorio Carneiro to have been brought down but were dealt free-kick the other way by referee Matteo Falzon. However, the team in red continued to seek a way through.
At the other end, Mtarfa earned a rare corner, as Milena Stagno read the intention to release Shania Spiteri in on goal. However, the corner delivery lacked in precision to trouble the Lija defence.
Simon Spiteri looked to his bench bringing on Kerrie Ciappara in midfield instead of Maria Abdilla. Estelle Borg made a return from injury replacing Katie Gribbon. Jethron Azzopardi freshened up his midfield with a swap for Nell Zarb Cousin and Lorna-Maria Cassar.
Lija Athletic raised their attacking intensity as the hour approached with Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez feeding Vanessa Honorio Carneiro who juggled her way past the defence. However, she found Claire Versteegh ready to clear to safety before the final strike.
Shakira Bugeja came close once more with another direct free-kick, but it was not to be for the number seven on the afternoon, as the kick rattled the post. However, Lija Athletic earned the crucial opening goal just a minute later. Vanessa Honorio Carneiro was most alert in the box to fire home from close range into the bottom corner.
The team continued piling pressure in search for more. Phoebe Camilleri did well on the wing to open the space for a well placed cross into Vanessa Honorio Carneiro at the near post. However, the Brazilian pulled the finish wide from the tight angle.
The Brazilian continued linking play with the team creating another major opportunity shortly after. Honorio Carneiro dropped deep to pick up possession, feeding Laury Carrasco Gonzalez who sped forward. She linked with compatriot Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez who sped free on goal, but was denied by the crossbar as she tried to place the finish.
The team in red continued to dominate play, with Mtarfa struggling to impose themselves in attack. Eliza Csik continued to be a key pillar in driving forward play, but had limited movement around her to make the Lija Athletic defence sweat too much. Isabel Sanchez was alert to any scraps that came her way.
Final changes ensued from both teams, with Katya Camilleri replacing Oumayma Jelili for Mtarfa, while Rachel Mifsud and Ulani Belkis took to the pitch instead of Milena Stagno and Ilona Sultana for Lija Athletic.
Lija Athletic wrapped up the victory with a spectacular corner combination. Shakira Bugeja delivered toward Vanessa Honorio Carneiro who coolly flicked a heel to find the back of the net in the 83rd minute.
Final Score: Mtarfa 0 – 2 Lija Athletic
Standings & Next Matches
Lija Athletic take their tally to 21 points and pip themselves to second place following Valletta’s defeat to San Gwann later in the afternoon. Lija Athletic will start the final round with a direct confrontation against Valletta on Friday 14th March at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30).
Mtarfa will face San Gwann on Thursday (13th) at the Centenary Stadium (20:15). San Gwann have already confirmed their place at the top of the section.
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