by Swieqi United and San Gwann will kick-off the final Assikura Women’s League weekend before this year’s final international break, with a 20:15 start at the Centenary Stadium tonight. The Owls will be keen on doing the double, but San Gwann aim to provide tougher opposition this time out.
Capitalising on High Confidence
The two teams will come into the match with a spring in their step following their respective encounters. Swieqi United made it four points out of a possible six against Birkirkara. This, following their draw in the second encounter last week, which backed up the victory just less than a fortnight ago.
“Getting these points is important in this stage of the season, while also continuing to boost the morale of the team. This especially when you consider the schedule where we have a significant number of players also partaking in the U19 league.” Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin noted.
On the other hand, San Gwann will be elated to have triumphed over their nearest rivals Lija Athletic, getting some breathing space in sixth place in taking the tally to seven points.
“The win against Lija Athletic was extremely important for us. It gives us some breathing space in sixth place and within the first match of the second round, puts us one point lower than our target of eight for the second round.” said San Gwann’s head coach Julian Camilleri, in reference to the bearing of the victory on their objectives. “Additionally, it shows an improvement since the first encounter, which we drew.” he concluded.
Development Since First Encounter
In the case of Swieqi United, loanee goalkeeper Patricia Araujo made her debut against the Yellows. She notched her first clean sheet, even if the debut ended rather disastrously (with a sending off). Since then, the goalkeeper has worked well with her defensive line to ensure that together they have just conceded one goal. This included keeping out the top-four contenders of Birkirkara and Mgarr United.
Questioned whether he is happy with the balance of his defence, Swieqi United’s Darmanin replied, “Not conceding any goals against Birkirkara and Mgarr United is important and shows the development of the defence.”
Probed on the stability provided by the Brazilian goalkeeper, Darmanin said, “Paty is an experienced goalkeeper and this gives an important sense of security for the defence. She is also very good with her feet which allows us to play our game.” The coach noted that this experience was missed in the loss against Hibernians, but that there is also faith in the growth of the youngster Chanelle Borg, “We have a great young goalkeeper coming up in our ranks and she is learning. However, the circumstances rather threw her into the fire against Hibernians.”
Meanwhile, in attack, Salamatu Abdulai continues to impress in her second stint, having joined the club in January’s transfer window of last year. The Ghanaian’s performances earned her the MFPA Player of the Month award for September and October. Abdulai is in fact not only topping the scorer’s list in the Assikura Women’s League with thirteen goals, but is also the front-runner in the Assikura Women’s Youth League with seven.
Probed about the eighteen-year old’s development, Darmanin said, “Salamatu started to find more playing opportunities toward the latter of last season. We are seeing her doing well in both leagues and I have always believed in her. This year I also fielded her in different positions and she continued to respond well to this. Of course, like all players she must continue to develop and show her best abilities in matches, especially if one aims to compete in higher levels.”
Speaking about the player’s character and attitude Darmanin noted, “She is a player who respects opponents and one who responds well to constructive instructions, even tactically. I think she has rightfully earned the MFPA Player of the Month award.”
On the other hand, San Gwann’s feat of winning against Lija Athletic while missing a few usual first-eleven players, such as Andjela Kricak, Nilayza Attard and Rabab Mhalli, also sheds light on the strength in depth for the Yellows. The match against Lija Athletic continued to feature a mix of experience with the likes of Annabelle Rapa and Kirstie Vella mentoring youngsters such as Nicole Saliba.
“I always reiterate that all players form an important piece for the foundation of the team, from the oldest to the youngest.” Julian Camilleri noted. “I do not have eleven players who always play, I rotate according to the circumstances and the match. One of my objectives is to develop players and giving them match experience is an important part of that.”
Match Expectations
The first-round match between was extremely dominated by the Owls, who emerged with an 8-0 victory. The two coaches were probed on whether they expect the match to be any different, considering the growth of the sides since the beginning of the season, player returns from injury and also an improved tactical awareness of the opposition.
Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin said, “We won the first game with a certain ease, however each game is important and games can change according to incidents that happen. In the first match we ended up with ten players in the late stages, but luckily we were already in a comfortable position.”
Speaking about the line-up, Darmanin said, “The players who will be selected will need to be ready to show up with their best performance. Considering everything, it would be a disappointment if we do not manage to take three points. I respect all of our opponents, wherever they are in the table, because I have played the game and I know that football has a way of dishing out surprises. We must keep up our high intensity and do our best to finish on a good note before we stop for the international break.”
His counterpart Julian Camilleri is aiming for better. He responded, “The first match against Swieqi United was a big shock. We were also still getting used to our system. I do not believe this game will be the same. On the contrary, I am looking forward to it.”
The match begins at 20:15 at the Centenary Stadium, with tickets being available at the door. It will kick-off the final Assikura Women’s League weekend, before teams split for the last international break of the calendar year. That will mark the return to the final stint of the UEFA Women’s Nations League competition.
Tickets for the final home UEFA Women’s Nations League match of Malta, which will be played against Latvia on Tuesday 5th December at 16:00, are now available for online purchase.
Lead Image: Jonathan Sajeba (Swieqi United FC)
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