by Hibernians & San Gwann will be kicking off at 16:30 to initiate the back-to-back Assikura Women’s Knockout semi-finals to be held at the Centenary Stadium this afternoon. Kenneth Costantino & Julian Camilleri discussed the achievement of the place in today’s match in view of the quarter-final. San Gwann head into it with target on proving their growth further, while Hibernians will want nothing more than to let goals flow to reach their third consecutive final.
Earning The Place
Hibernians and San Gwann will be kicking off the first of two semi-finals this afternoon, as they bid to earn the place in Thursday’s final of the Assikura Women’s Knockout.
Hibernians head into it after having gone the distance against Swieqi United, ultimately edging out the league champions on penalties. Kenneth Costantino gave his thoughts on the encounter, “We had lost the last league match against Swieqi United despite, in my opinion, having enjoyed the majority of possession and opportunities. During this quarter-final game we also enjoyed the majority of possession and also opportunities. Unfortunately, we are still finding it hard to capitalise on the chances and we were going to concede in the final moments of the game. Having said that, I genuinely believe we deserved to go through.”
Meanwhile, San Gwann reproduced a commanding scoreline against Valletta to proceed to this stage, with Julian Camilleri underlining the importance of the performance in boosting the confidence ahead of this semi-final against top-four opposition.
San Gwann’s coach said, “It was one of our objectives to get to this stage so it was certainly an important win for us. To win by a convincing score helps to go into this match with confidence. We have nothing to be scared of and if we play to our potential, it should be a good match.”
Emotions & Points To Prove
Hibernians will head into the match knowing that they’ve successfully shut out San Gwann in both encounters. However, San Gwann have recruited since, while Hibernians have declined in goalscoring form.
Questioned on whether he sees this match as an opportunity to rediscover that goalscoring form, aided by the motivation of making the final, Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino replied, “The fact that we are struggling to score is no secret. It’s something we are working on and I know the players are really trying hard. This game is important because a win can take us to the final.”
However, the Hibernians’ coach acknowledged that there are further motivations for a victory this afternoon despite aware of the tricky nuances of cup ties. He said, “Doing that would really make me happy as it’s an opportunity to celebrate Martina’s (Borg) retirement and more. Our previous encounters with San Gwann were rich of opportunities and goals, but this game is a cup tie and we all know cup ties are very intricate games.”
In fact, questioned about handling San Gwann’s changes since their last meet, Kenneth Costantino replied, “We’ll need to see what game plan they will come up with. We will have to rest some players due to injury but I believe the ones who will step in will give everything to prove their worth and to see the team through.”
On the other hand, Julian Camilleri was dealt with an injury to captain Annabelle Rapa against Valletta. However, the San Gwann coach was positive about her inclusion. “She is still not one hundred percent but she’ll be available.” Meanwhile, the San Gwann coach confirmed that Moroccan duo Chaimaa Tourki and Rabab Mhalli are also available for selection.
Eyeing his opposition in view of a beating them for the first time for a potential place in the final, San Gwann’s coach replied, “Hibernians are a very strong team. However, I believe that if we close spaces and we use our opportunities well, it can be a level match that challenges both teams.”
The Centenary Stadium is set to welcome Hibernians and San Gwann at 16:30, with the second semi-final between Mgarr United and Lija Athletic pencilled in at 19:00 in the same venue.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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[…] between Mgarr United and Lija Athletic is set to begin at 19:00, provided the semi-final between Hibernians & San Gwann is won in ninety minutes (beginning at 16:30). The two semi-finals will be played at the Centenary […]