San Gwann March On With Victory Over Mtarfa

San Gwann managed a 1-0 victory over Mtarfa to edge to one point away from securing second place in the group. Rabab Mhalli was teed up by Chaimaa Tourki for the goal, with the Yellows denied further goals by excellent shot-stopping from the Blues’ captain, Dorienne Grech. The match kicked off close to half an hour late as the referee was a no-show, resulting in the opening half being played under the eyesight of a referee and one assistant.

Team Selections

Mtarfa’s captain Dorienne Grech started in goal, protected by an unchanged defence in Angele Fenech, Darya Attard, Rebecca Zammit and Corine Deguara. Kerrie Ciappara and Maia Cutajar protected the defence, while Shania Spiteri occupied a more forward role. Oumayma Jelili and Paula Ciappara occupied the wings, while Maria Abdilla was the lone attacker.

Justyne Caruana started in goal for San Gwann. Nicole Camenzuli returned to the starting eleven flanked by Kirstie Vella and Thresa Scicluna. Cristina Hili and Rabab Mhalli continued their stay on the wings, while captain Annabelle Rapa partnered Fatma Al Girbi in midfield. Nilayza Attard and Chaimaa Tourki orchestrated further forward, in support of Reham Mellah.

How It Unfolded

The game kicked off with a make-shift referee, and one assistant referee, as the scheduled referee was a no-show. Kick-off was delayed by close to half-an-hour until the decision was taken to start with just the two officials, until a third official was called in as a replacement arriving at half-time. A separate report details the implications of the situation.

San Gwann took the initiative early on, creating major opportunities in the opening ten minutes. Mtarfa’s defence stood strong against an initial corner. Reham Mellah also did well to open the space for a shot centrally, but complicated matters by trying to dink it over the goalkeeper who was well positioned, with the shot going over the bar.

Mtarfa responded through Paula Ciappara who made headway on the left wing, before darting on the inside. She skipped past two markers, however Justyne Caruana was untroubled by the effort. Ciappara was bright on the wing, cutting inside once more close to the latter stages of the half. However, the winger opted to go for another effort from long-range, despite perhaps having had better support this time.

San Gwann continued enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but lacking the final touch to break the deadlock. A cross delivered on the quarter hour mark begged for a touch which never came. The Yellows tested the Blues from distance, with both Cristina Hili and Chaimaa Tourki both firing shots but to no avail.

Reham Mellah had another glorious opportunity to put her team into the lead in the 36th minute, as she ran free from the defence. However, Dorienne Grech approached well to block the shot. The Moroccan had another go at the Mtarfa goal two minutes from half-time. However, Dorienne Grech parried away as the Mellah attempted to find the left side of the goal.

Half-Time Score: Mtarfa 0 – 0 San Gwann

Estelle Borg made a much anticipated return for the Blues after having been sidelined by injury since before the new year. She replaced Maia Cutajar in midfield. Dorienne Grech was quickly called into action on the restart as Chaimaa Tourki was well found by Nilayza Attard. The Moroccan drifted inside from the byline before trying to find the far corner of the net, but denied by Dorienne Grech once more.

Chaimaa Tourki continued being a standout for the Yellows in creation, to ultimately tee up compatriot Rabab Mhalli for the only goal of the match with a low cut-back. Mhalli on her part placed with her right foot, with the ball deflected into the net.

Shania Gheiti took to the pitch instead of Nilayza Attard right after, with San Gwann switching to two strikers up front. The Yellows continued their forward momentum but Annabelle Rapa was unable to test Dorienne Grech with a volley from a corner delivery, while Chaimaa Tourki’s attempt to find the top right corner from a free-kick was well saved by the Mtarfa skipper.

More substitutions ensued in the 70th minute, with Yasmin Attard replacing Reham Mellah up front for San Gwann, while Cristina Hili gave way to Chanice Grixti. The latter slotted in midfield, while Annabelle Rapa shifted to the wing. Oumayma Jelili gave way to Jade Azzopardi for Mtarfa.

The Blues sought to find their way back into the match with attempts to build from the back through Darya Attard and Rebecca Zammit. However, San Gwann’s midfield marshalled play well. On the other hand, the Yellows were keen to get Shania Gheiti released on a foot race, but Darya Attard was well positioned to clear at the back.

Katya Camilleri made an appearance in replacement of Corine Deguara, slotting in midfield. Paula Ciappara covered the left-back position until Elisa Azzopardi replaced her in the latter stages. On the other hand, San Gwann’s goalscorer Rabab Mhalli was given an early rest by Cassidy Mihalic who occupied the forward role, while Chaimaa Tourki slotted on the wing. Tracy Axiak made a straight swap with Thresa Scicluna.

Neither side could convert from set-piece opportunities, to send the teams home separated by just the one goal.

Final Score: Mtarfa 0 – 1 San Gwann

Standings & Next Matches

San Gwann take their tally to twenty-two points taking themselves just one point away from securing second place in the group. The Yellows will next have a direct confrontation against Lija Athletic, whom they meet on Saturday 16th at 14:00 at Mgarr Ground. Mtarfa will meet the group leaders Valletta on Thursday 14th at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (20:30).

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