by Lija Athletic secured a semi-final spot for the first time since returning under their namesake with a 4 – 2 victory against Mtarfa. Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez and Leanne Micallef scored a brace apiece to push the side toward victory, while Kerrie Ciappara and Laura Echeverri Tobon earned the goals for Mtarfa.
Team Selections
Lija Athletic were led by Anton Cremona for the second consecutive match. He retained faith in Isabel Sanchez in goal. The back-four consisted of Ilona Sultana, Nell Zarb Cousin, Lorna-Maria Cassar and Shakira Bugeja. Laury Carrasco Gonzalez started in midfield in the company of Leanne Micallef and Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez. Lisa Calleja led the attack, flanked by Edera Marmara’ and captain Rachel Mifsud.
Meanwhile, Simon Spiteri continued trusting captain Dorienne Grech in goal, fronted by a back-four consisting of Estelle Borg, Angele Fenech, Rebecca Zammit and Claire Versteegh. Eliza Csik and Shania Spiteri started in midfield, with Maria Abdilla linking play further forward. Laura Echeverri Tobon and Kerrie Ciappara started on the flanks, while Paula Ciappara continued leading the attack.
How It Unfolded
The match kicked off in a fairly even manner, with Lija Athletic just edging out on possession, but Mtarfa giving good responses going forward. Indeed the Blues sought to work Isabel Sanchez early on but the goalkeeper was solid in her response.
Lija Athletic made their forward play work with Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute. However, the lead was short-lived with a combination between sibling duo Paula Ciappara and Kerrie Ciappara for Mtarfa to level the scoring just two minutes later.
The match ensued in a physical manner, with neither team afraid of letting themselves known to their opponent. Lija Athletic sought to make more from their share of possession but Dorienne Grech snuffed out an aerial delivery from Shakira Bugeja, before Lisa Calleja’s attempt to make something happen was denied by the combined effort of Angele Fenech and Estelle Borg.
Mtarfa responded with an opportunity at the other end through Laura Echeverri Tobon who got the better of Isabel Sanchez on the dribble. However, Lorna-Maria Cassar arrived in time to clear to a corner to deny the shot at the gaping net.
Lija Athletic continued to find the way with direct play behind the Mtarfa defensive line, but often frustrated by the offside flag, while Dorienne Grech continued to sweep effectively. The Blues responded with some sporadic creations, while Eliza Csik breezed past four Lija Athletic players before linking with Paula Ciappara. However, she was wide with the tight-angle shot.
Half-Time Score: Lija Athletic 1 – 1 Mtarfa
Anton Cremona was forced into a substitution at half-time as Ilona Sultana was unable to continue after having taken a knock just before half-time. She was replaced by Kylie Pantalleresco who took her position in midfield, while Edera Marmara’ retreated into the full-back position. Leanne Micallef switched to left-wing, while Rachel Mifsud occupied the right.
Lija Athletic took to the pitch with intent on securing the semi-final spot, with Anton Cremona positive in urging the team to work together and push forward for more. The side applied pressure in the box and were almost celebrating six minutes into the half as Lisa Calleja found the back of the net with a placed low shot. However, she was ruled offside.
Shakira Bugeja took charge of a free-kick from just outside the box moments later but the attempt to change approach and caress it into the box fizzled just wide without a touch.
However, Lija Athletic regained the lead in 57th minute. Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez was too much too handle once more for Mtarfa, with the Colombian pushing wide and curling out a low finish into the far right post.
The team in red started to gain more control over midfield with Kylie Pantalleresco combining well with Laury Carrasco Gonzalez in thwarting play and sending the team forward. Pantalleresco laid it on a plate for Estefany Colmenary Gonzalez to hit the hat-trick just over the hour mark with a controlled dink. However, the Colombian’s right footed effort from close range was thwarted with the side earning a corner. Two players rose to meet the delivery but the ball flew over the bar.
However, Leanne Micallef converted three minutes later to give Lija Athletic the comfort of a two-goal cushion. She was well-found in space on the wing with a diagonal ball, before darting inside. She wrong-footed the goalkeeper with a placement into the far right corner. She made it four in the 75th minute with a tapped effort from close range.
Changes ensued from both coaches as Maria Ibrahim took to the pitch instead of Rachel Mifsud, with Leanne Micallef taking the captain’s armband. Micallef eventually also made way to Corinne Deguara, with the captain’s armband shifting once more to Shakira Bugeja. Julia Zarb also made an appearance in goal late on.
Meanwhile, Mtarfa rotated players pushing Claire Versteegh into midfield, Maria Abdilla into right-back, while Estelle Borg moved to the left. Simon Spiteri made a double swap for the final minutes bringing on Francesca Degiorgio and Sabrina Bertona on the flanks, replacing Maria Abdilla and Kerrie Ciappara.
The Blues continued to live up to the never-say-die attitude and punished Lija Athletic in the final throes. Shania Spiteri won the ball from the defence, with Laura Echeverri Tobon picking up the pieces and carrying it into the box, before placing into the right side of the net to close the gap.
Lija Athletic had final opportunities with Maria Ibrahim using her pace effectively on transition. However, the cross was just ahead of Lisa Calleja. The Blues recovered against the cut-back, before Corinne Deguara’s surge forward was also thwarted at the dying moments.
Final Score: Lija Athletic 4 – 2 Mtarfa
Semi-Finals
The result ends Mtarfa’s 2024/25 season, while sending Lija Athletic into the semi-final for the first-time since returning under their name-sake. They will meet Mgarr United, who on their part overcame holders Birkirkara. The other semi-final will be played between Hibernians and San Gwann, who beat Swieqi United and Valletta, respectively.
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