by San Gwann returned to winning form with a 1-0 victory over Mtarfa. The Yellows dominated play but were limited to just a strike from substitute Shania Gheiti. Andjela Kricak grabs the assist, while the team celebrate their fifth clean sheet of the season.
Team Selections
San Gwann’s Jolie Dalli Stellini made her senior debut in goal. Fatma Al Girbi partnered Tracy Axiak in defence, flanked by Katrin Abela and Rabab Mhalli. Andjela Kricak took the captain’s armband and accompanied Chaimaa Tourki and Nilayza Attard in midfield. Cristina Hili made her debut for the team on the left flank, while Yasmin Attard occupied the right. Reham Mellah led the attack.
Mtarfa’s Kendra Micallef made her first start behind a four-player defence. Rebecca Zammit was the skipper, alongside Shania Spiteri in the centre of the defence. Corine Deguara and Paula Ciappara started as the full-backs. Kerrie Ciappara accompanied Katya Camilleri and Maia Cutajar in midfield. Rachel Sultana started as the central attacker, flanked by Oumayma Jelili and Jade Azzopardi.
San Gwann Churn Shots To No Avail
Mtarfa were happy to sit back in a compact formation and allow San Gwann the lion’s share of possession. The Yellows earned early consecutive corners which the Blues blocked, before Yasmin Attard fired from distance, to no avail. It set the story of the match for the two teams, with San Gwann unable to capitalise despite amassing a large number of corner opportunities.
Andjela Kricak started brightly wriggling past three players, before launching a ball toward Chaimaa Tourki who was left completely unattended in the box. However, the Moroccan’s touch took her wide, before Mtarfa’s Kendra Micallef made the save from the shot.
Mtarfa’s young goalkeeper had plenty to do, with Yasmin Attard next to force a parry by firing a low shot headed toward the right corner. Fatma Al Girbi delivered the resulting corner toward Tracy Axiak, who headed wide.
The Yellows continued enjoying plenty of possession, but Mtarfa were disciplined in limiting them space in the final third. Despite this, Andjela Kricak displayed more nifty footwork to dribble past several markers before getting herself within shooting range. However, Kendra Micallef was equal to the left-footed effort once more.
Cristina Hili was next to drive up the wing, before cutting back to Rabab Mhalli who linked with compatriot Chaimaa Tourki. The number eight curled one toward the top right corner but missed the target.
The Yellows continued piling forward, but unable to convert from a number of corners and free-kick opportunities, with Kendra Micallef getting to the shots driven on target, while a number of efforts were fired just off target. San Gwann’s coach Julian Camilleri opted to switch up play by swapping his wide forwards.
Chaimaa Tourki came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 43rd minute, delivering another curler toward the right corner of the goal from just outside the box, but striking the upright.
Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 0 Mtarfa
San Gwann’s Strikes Home
The Yellows started the second half with the same attacking intent but were frustrated once more as Fatma Al Girbi struck the crossbar six minutes into the half. The Yellows attempted a rebound from the loose ball, but Corine Deguara was well-positioned to clear from the goalmouth.
Mtarfa kept up the resilient display. Kendra Micallef denied shots from Andjela Kricak, Chaimaa Tourki and Reham Mellah. Meanwhile, Nilayza Attard attempted a close-range rebound which found Corine Deguara ready to clear close to line once more.
With the deadlock still intact, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri made a switch in attack, bringing on Shania Gheiti in replacement of Reham Mellah in the 60th minute. Kristina Zammit joined the party shortly after, replacing Yasmin Attard.
Shania Gheiti did not take long to find the mark. She was released behind the defence and flicked the ball into the back of the net in the 67th minute, only to see it cancelled by the offside flag.
However, she kept at it and managed to score the only goal in the 76th minute. Gheiti was released with a short through ball from Andjela Kricak and laced it into the bottom left corner from close range.
The goal prompted changes from both coaching contingents. Mtarfa’s Rachel Sultana gave way to Shauline Kemunto Maoga who slotted in midfield, while Katya Camilleri pushed up the pitch. Meanwhile, San Gwann’s Nilayza Attard gave way to Thais Muscat.
The Yellows continued searching for more, but an effort from Fatma Al Girbi found Kendra Micallef ready to parry once more. The team was also unable to break Mtarfa’s defence from consecutive corners. Andjela Kricak attempted to thread another pass for Shania Gheiti, but Kendra Micallef shut the door once more.
Mtarfa’s coaching staff made their final change two minutes from time, bringing on Jasmin Azzopardi in replacement of Oumayma Jelili who needed medical treatment.
Mtarfa’s Shania Spiteri made a late charge, winning a free-kick and sending the team forward by finding Paula Ciappara on the right wing. San Gwann recovered possession and responded with a quick attack, releasing Cristina Hili behind the defence. She fired with venom but Kendra Micallef had the near post covered. San Gwann attempted to double the lead through a short corner late on, but had to settle for just the one goal.
Final Score: San Gwann 1 – 0 Mtarfa
Standings & Next Matches
San Gwann ensure a return to winning form, taking their tally to 16 points and earning some breathing room from Lija Athletic, whom they will face next on Saturday 17th at Dingli Ground (14:00). Mtarfa will return to action against the leaders of the Bottom Four in the 16:30 kick-off on the same day and location.
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