by Mgarr United enjoyed their time in the afternoon sun with a 2-1 victory over Swieqi United. Joelma Alves Gabriel scored the two goals for the Greens and was denied a hat-trick by the crossbar. Karima Abdulai got Swieqi United back into it, but the side could not manage the complete comeback.
Team Selections
Mgarr United’s Patricia Ebejer retained her place in goal. Kayah Abela Sciberras started in place of the injured Rebecca Bajada at left-back. Abigail Camilleri continued to lead the team in the absence of Maia Debono. She partnered Leanne Cefai in defence, with Anastasia Sivolobova completing the defence. There were no changes in midfield with Brenda Borg accompanying Luana Cabral, while Joelma Alves Gabriel started further forward. Yulya Carella and Rodiana Borg occupied the wings, while Fernanda Peinado was the sole attacker.
Patricia Araujo continued her stay in goal for Swieqi United behind an unchanged defence in Jade Schembri, Tammy Falzon, Rafanny Abache Mendoza and Thea Ida Scicluna. Shona Zammit led the team from the centre of the park, alongside Michaela Cachia. Salamatu Abdulai occupied the number ten position, flanked by Kaysia Micallef and Karima Abdulai. Jade Flask led the attack.
How It Unfolded
The Greens were the first to create something with an edge using quick transitions early on. Brenda Borg laid it wide to Rodiana Borg, who delivered a low cross. However, Joelma Alves Gabriel was deemed to be in an offside position at the far post. Jade Schembri also made a crucial interception as Brenda Borg attempted to find Rodiana Borg’s run into the six-yard box.
At the other end, Salamatu Abdulai and Kaysia Micallef linked well to create shooting opportunities but could also not trouble Patricia Ebejer. However, there were clear elements of frustration from the Swieqi United bench as the team failed to establish control of the ball, while defence struggled to deal with aerial balls coming their way. However, the Greens did not capitalise.
The Owls developed their first major opportunity a quarter of an hour into it with a counter-attack as Patricia Araujo launched towards Salamatu Abdulai who sped forward but found Patricia Ebejer ready to make the block to keep things level.
However, having been the brighter of the two since the start, the Greens made their positive start pay off in the 17th minute. Fernanda Peinado flicked a pass to Joelma Alves Gabriel who sped into space toward the penalty box, before placing a low shot into the far right corner.
The Greens looked set for the double into the half-hour mark as Jade Schembri ran into traffic when cutting into midfield. Fernanda Peinado ran free with the ball toward the other end, but a heavy touch allowed Patricia Araujo to gather safely.
However, Mgarr United made sure to capitalise on the next one. Joelma Alves Gabriel won ball from the Owls’ defence, just inside their own half. The Brazilian took one look at the goalkeeper’s position and lobbed it from distance into the net for the second in the 34th minute.
Alves Gabriel attempted to finish the hat-trick three minutes later as Rodiana Borg crossed a low ball. However, Patricia Araujo showed good reflexes to keep them out.
Having been down and under for much of the half, Swieqi United were pulled into some forward momentum through Jade Flask. The striker defended from the front, earning the team a corner. Although the side did not manage to convert from it, the action injected some positivity and they managed to half the deficit into injury time through Karima Abdulai. The Ghanaian fired a low effort from the left side of the box, which rolled into the net despite Patricia Ebejer getting something on the ball.
The Owls sought to use the momentum in their favour with a free-kick shortly after. Shona Zammit delivered onto the head of Rafanny Abache Mendoza, but the ball flew just over the crossbar. Jade Flask put the ball into the net a minute later but play was pulled back for an earlier offside.
Half-Time Score: Mgarr United 2 – 1 Swieqi United
Neither side started the second half with the same vigour of the opener. The two teams could not capitalise from corner opportunities, but the onus was on Swieqi United to find the leveller.
Jade Flask fired a shot from outside the box but the effort was central enough for Patricia Ebejer to make the save. Kaysia Micallef injected some energy into the match in the 70th minute cutting into midfield and gliding forward into space, before finding Karima Abdulai on the flank. However, the Ghanaian opted for the strike, though perhaps better served cutting back to Jade Flask who was in space in the box for the shot. Michaela Cachia was next to try a looped effort from just outside the box, but Patricia Ebejer was equal to it as well.
With time running out for Swieqi United, Dorianne Theuma took to the pitch instead of Jade Flask into the 73rd minute. The Greens developed the first major chance of the half in the final ten minutes as Yulya Carella released Fernanda Peinado behind. However, Patricia Araujo stuck out a leg to deny her and keep the team in it.
The attack set the tone for the rest of the match as the Greens settled into game management mode while trying to find a devastating counter-attack, as Swieqi United pushed forward for the equaliser. Rodiana Borg gave way to Shakira Camilleri for the final five minutes of the match, before Maria Mizzi also replaced Kayah Abela Sciberras.
Joelma Alves Gabriel was denied the hat-trick by the crossbar once more as the Brazilian attempted to head home Yulya Carella’s delivery from a corner. Fernanda Peinado also ran free twice late on but could not find the goal to settle it.
Swieqi United missed a golden opportunity for the equaliser into added time as Salamatu Abdula pushed past her marker in the box and lobbed a ball into compatriot Karima Abdulai who was stationed close to the six yard box. However, the dinked effort rose over the crossbar.
Final Score: Mgarr United 2 – 1 Swieqi United
The two teams thus conclude their Assikura Women’s League commitments for the season. Swieqi United finish proceedings in second place with 46 points. Mgarr United take their tally to 36 points in fourth place. Elsewhere Birkirkara sealed off their championship with a 3-0 win over Hibernians.
They return following the international break, in the Assikura Women’s Knockout. Mgarr United will host Hibernians at the Centenary Stadium on the 12th April (20:30). Swieqi United face Mtarfa at Mgarr Ground on Saturday the 13th April (14:00).
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