Mgarr Ease Past San Gwann To Initiate Knockout Defence

Mgarr United opened their Knockout campaign with a 5–0 win over San Gwann, with goals from Yulya Carella, Veronique Mifsud, Luz Hernandez and a brace by Alejandra Villegas Caly, whose celebration with the supporters stood out in a largely one-sided encounter. San Gwann pushed late on but were unable to break through.

Team Selections

Geona Muscat continued in goal for San Gwann, behind the growing trio of Fatma Al Girbi, captain Rhea Borg and Mariama Kasim. Nilayza Attard and Thais Muscat started on the wings. Morena Fanega accompanied Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio in midfield, with Estelle Borg supporting Naila Addo and Rodianne Zerafa in attack.

Giulia D’Antuono started in goal for Mgarr United, behind the quartet of Maia Debono, Leanne Cefai, captain Abigail Camilleri and Yanina Mendez. Brenda Borg and Veronique Mifsud started in midfield, with Yulya Carella and Ines N’Guessan occupying the flanks. Alejandra Villegas Caly returned to action up front in the company of Luz Hernandez.

How It Unfolded

Mgarr United showed their intent from the outset, with an early goal ruled out for offside before the breakthrough arrived shortly after.

In the 10th minute, Yulya Carella was released close to goal, finishing low from a tight angle to give the Greens the lead, as the youngster continues to be a key instigator for the side.

The pressure continued to build and Mgarr doubled their lead just four minutes later. Veronique Mifsud struck with a direct free-kick, placing her effort into the bottom corner with precision.

San Gwann struggled to establish rhythm, though Morena Fanega briefly found space in midfield, offering a rare opening.

However, Mgarr remained firmly in control. In the 20th minute, Luz Hernandez struck powerfully from the left, finding the top corner to extend the lead, as the Greens’ attacking intent continued to overwhelm.

Despite a strong one-against-one save from Geona Muscat to deny Alejandra Villegas Caly, the fourth goal soon followed.

In the 32nd minute, the Colombian was released behind the defence again, this time rounding the goalkeeper before finishing calmly. The forward marked the moment with an emotional celebration, climbing into the stands to share it with the support.

San Gwann showed glimpses of attacking intent through Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio and Naila Addo, though efforts were either ruled out for offside or dealt with by Giulia D’Antuono, as Mgarr maintained control through patient possession.

Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 4 Mgarr United

Mgarr’s Ryan Vella introduced Patricia Ebejer for Giulia D’Antuono at half-time, continuing their rotation as they looked to manage the game.

The fifth goal arrived in the 51st minute, as Alejandra Villegas Caly capitalised on a deflected pass to finish into the bottom corner, completing her brace.

Further chances came for the Greens, including a crossbar effort from Veronique Mifsud following a Yulya Carella delivery, while Geona Muscat remained busy, producing key saves to limit the damage.

Mgarr continued to rotate, with Paula Ciappara, Gaia Antonelli and Ylenia Debono introduced in the 56th minute, followed by Maria Mizzi replacing Veronique Mifsud in the 64th minute.

San Gwann’s Denilson Borg also made changes, bringing on Martina Vassallo, Raisa Magro and Amy Abela Spiteri, as they looked to find a foothold in the game.

Despite the scoreline, the hosts continued to push for a consolation.

Estelle Borg came closest but unable to convert from a tight angle as Yanina Mendez produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the clean sheet.

San Gwann’s persistence continued into the closing stages, with Alicia Mifsud testing Ebejer from distance, forcing a save before Mgarr cleared the resulting corner.

At the other end, Mariama Kasim produced a well-timed defensive intervention to deny Villegas Caly a further opportunity, as the game gradually wound down.

Despite those late efforts, Mgarr United maintained their composure, seeing out the match without conceding to progress to the semi-final.

Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 5 Mgarr United

Next Matches & International Break

Mgarr United take their place in the semi-final where they will meet Hibernians, as the defeat signals the curtain on San Gwann’s season at senior level. Birkirkara emerged from the other preliminary round match, beating Swieqi United by 2 – 1 after extra-time.

The semi-finals are expected to be played after the international break, with the fixtures still to be announced.

Until then, focus is set on international matches as Malta’s senior team contest a double-header against the Northern Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup European Qualifications on the 14th (away) and 18th of April (at home). The Malta U19 group will be led by Melania Bajada for the first time as they contest the UEFA U19 European Championship against Israel, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria.

Lead Image: RPC Photo MT

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