by The Assikura Women’s Knockout will start tonight with a double-header including a cut-throat clash between Mgarr United and Hibernians at the Centenary Stadium at 20:30. Matthew Muscat and Kenneth Costantino acknowledged the balance of the match, but while the Greens’s played down their intentions, Hibernians are taking to the pitch in search of going all the way despite the tough path to the final.
Fresh Challenges
Teams head will kick-off their final commitments for the domestic season in the Assikura Women’s Knockout. Cup football brings with it the excitement of winner takes all narrative, with the added factor that the scheduling means that failure to win will be curtains not just on the competition, but on the season for those eliminated.
Mgarr United’s Matthew Muscat suggests that the team will take to the competition with the growth mentality that they’ve adopted since the changing of technical staff at the turn of the calendar year. “Our primary objective for the Knockout is to use it as a platform for preparation for the next season. Of course, our aim is to win our matches and advance as far as possible. This competition will provide us with valuable experiences that will contribute to our team’s development and readiness for future challenges.”
On the other hand, Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino is aiming for a strong finish to the season, “We have been handed the toughest route possible. However, I believe that the girls have what it takes to go all the way, but it’s a long and steep road ahead.”
Player Readiness
Both teams have had their fair share of injuries throughout the season. Asked whether the three week break since the last domestic fixture has given them chance to recover any injuries, Mgarr United’s Muscat said, “Unfortunately, both Rebecca Bajada and Chantelle Grech are currently sidelined due to injuries.”
Muscat also confirmed that captain Maia Debono remains a doubt for the fixture, “She is still in the recovery process. We are hopeful that she might be fit in time for tomorrow’s game, but her participation is not yet confirmed. We are closely monitoring her situation and will make a decision closer to the match.”
The team will hope the Brazilian duo Fernanda Peinado and Joelma Alves Gabriel can carry their goalscoring records from the Assikura Women’s League into the competition. The side will also welcome the return of Brenda Borg, Patricia Ebejer, Yulya Carella and Anastasia Sivolobova who were called up for international duty over the break.
On the other hand, Hibernians will certainly be boosted by the return of Nicole Sciberras who had solid appearances for Malta against Northern Ireland and Portugal. Asked about her return, Costantino said, “Of course Nicole is an important player in a position where we have little cover. So it is a massive boost. However, she has been out for a long time and we understand that she needs to get match fit, but her presence is a massive boost to the team.” The team will also welcome the return of their skipper, “We also recovered Martina Borg, who will be another huge boost to the team.”
Their experience will continue to boost the side who have had some unlikely heroes throughout the season and carried the mantle in the toughest periods.
Who Will Make It To The Semi-Final?
The quarter-final tie is certainly the most anticipated one, considering that it is the only confrontation which has thrown up every result from the quarter-final draws. The two were pitted in exactly the same scenario last year, with Hibernians emerging as winners despite having never managed to beat the Greens in the league. The Paolites went on to secure a place in the final.
This season the tables have been reversed. Hibernians had the upper hand in the majority of the confrontations between the two, but Mgarr United secured a victory in the final meeting in the league. All things point toward
However, Matthew Muscat is firmly focused on the future, “The past results, including their win in the knockout last year, don’t significantly impact our motivation for the upcoming match. Every match writes its own narrative, and what happened in the past, especially last season, is behind us. Our recent win against Hibernians is equally inconsequential in terms of influencing this game. We approach each match independently, and I anticipate a tightly contested battle, as has been the case in our previous encounters with them.”
Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino was of a similar frame of mind, “Every game is a story, let alone a year. I believe the motivation lies in the fact that we know we can do well and that we worked hard. Past results or achievements will not guarantee anything.”
While the coaches are not letting too much slip, the matches between the two have often been decided by a single goal. A mistake or a moment of brilliance may well decide it or send the match into extra-time and even penalties. The Centenary Stadium awaits, with kick-off set at 20:30.
There will be another quarter-final tie being played at the same time from the other path. Birkirkara will be meeting Lija Athletic at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at the same time.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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