by San Gwann and Valletta played out a 3–3 draw in a standings-deciding clash at the Charles Abela Stadium, with the result confirming San Gwann in fifth and Valletta at the foot of the table. Despite creating the clearer chances, San Gwann were left to rue missed opportunities as Naila Addo struck twice and Rocio Figueredo added another, while Valletta responded through Sarah Fenech, Molly Crowe, and Ines Mohammed in an open encounter.
Team Selections
Geona Muscat continued her stay in goal for San Gwann. The side deployed a back three with captain Rhea Borg at its centre, flanked by Fatma Al Girbi and Lisa Vella. Thais Muscat and Nilayza Attard started out wide, with Morena Fanega, Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio and Rocio Figueredo orchestrating in midfield. Rodianne Zerafa partnered Naila Addo in attack.
Gabriella Grima started in goal for Valletta, behind a back-four consisting of Edera Marmara’, Kristina Zammit, Ilona Sultana and Shakira Bugeja. Molly Crowe and Sarah Fenech operated out wide, with Carla Giles, Kylie Pantalleresco and Eliza Csik (captain) holding the midfield. Ines Mohammed was the lone attacker.
How It Unfolded
San Gwann controlled the early exchanges, finding space particularly in wide areas as Rocio Figueredo and Rodianne Zerafa combined to stretch Valletta’s defensive line.
The hosts created several clear openings, with Figueredo firing wide before Naila Addo was twice denied — first by the crossbar and then by Gabriella Grima’s intervention.
Despite that pressure, it was Valletta who struck first. A free-kick delivery from Shakira Bugeja found Sarah Fenech unmarked at the far post to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.
San Gwann responded quickly, capitalising on defensive disorganisation as Naila Addo chipped over Grima to restore parity.
The pattern of the game continued, with San Gwann creating the better chances but lacking the clinical edge. That inefficiency was punished late in the half.
Valletta regained the lead through another set-piece,as Molly Crowe reacted quickest to a loose ball following a goalkeeping error, marking her first goal for the club in just her second appearance.
Half-Time Score: San Gwann 1 – 2 Valletta
Valletta were forced into an early change at the break, with Melissa Galea replacing Gabriella Grima in goal, while Aalliyah Bonnici Carbonaro came on for Kristina Zammit, prompting a defensive reshuffle with Shakira Bugeja moving centrally.
San Gwann responded immediately after the restart.
Within minutes, Naila Addo struck again, powering an effort through Galea’s grasp after being released by Rocio Figueredo’s header.
The hosts continued to push forward, with Figueredo driving attacks and Addo repeatedly threatening in behind.
Valletta introduced further changes midway through the half, with Somaya Muscat replacing Sarah Fenech, looking to freshen the attacking line.
San Gwann’s pressure told once more when Rocio Figueredo produced another moment of quality, driving a left-footed effort into the top corner to give the hosts the lead, with the goal also marking her first goal since joining San Gwann.
However, Valletta once again responded.
From a recycled free-kick, Ines Mohammed chipped the ball into the net to restore parity in a contest that remained finely balanced.
Both sides continued to rotate, with Alicia Mifsud introduced for Nilayza Attard for San Gwann, while Valletta brought on Leona Carabott for Kylie Pantalleresco to add energy in the closing stages.
San Gwann made a final attacking change late on, with Estelle Borg replacing Lisa Vella, pushing numbers forward alongside Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio in search of a winner.
Deep into stoppage time, Valletta introduced Kady Zammit for Ines Mohammed, looking to manage the closing moments.
San Gwann pushed for a late winner with a more direct approach, but Valletta’s defensive organisation held firm in the closing stages as the match went deep into injury time with Sara Kankaras continuing to keep a hold firm on proceedings until the end alongside Adnan Guleli and Isaac Aninfeng.
Rocio Figueredo remained central to the hosts’ attacking efforts, while Valletta looked to counter through Eliza Csik and Molly Crowe. A final crossing exchange could have proven lethal, but the Valletta duo were unable to link up with the cross just ahead of the finisher.
Final Score: San Gwann 3 – 3 Valletta
Standings & Final Matchday
The contest ends with the points shared and plenty to mull over for the two teams. San Gwann showed attacking promise but were left to reflect on missed opportunities, ultimately securing fifth place. Valletta, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience and flashes of quality but finish the season bottom of the table, underlining the challenges faced across the campaign.
Valletta close off their league commitments against Swieqi United, who on their part cemented their second-place finish with a 2 – 0 win against Hibernians. The match between Valletta & Swieqi United will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday (20:30).
San Gwann close off proceedings against fourth-placed Birkirkara, with the latter coming in on strong form following seven points from nine taken against top three opposition. They meet at Dingli Ground at 16:00 on Saturday.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Dorienne Grech
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