by Swieqi United replicated their first-round score against Valletta, emerging with a 3 – 0 victory to maintain third-place. Karima Abdulai netted the hat-trick to confirm the victory, while Shona Zammit was also denied by the crossbar. Valletta’s woes were compounded by injury to Eduarda Martins Souza.
Team Selections
Gabriella Grima continued to protect Valletta’s goal, fronted by Eunice Micallef, Eduarda Martins Souza, Sabrin Blihi and captain Anna Aloisio. Sarah Vella Barberi and Suzanne Farrugia Sacco started on the flanks, while Ylenia Grech and Monique Sultana continued their stay in midfield. Laura Muscat and Marcelle de Oliveira Julio led the attack.
Patricia Araujo started in goal for Swieqi United and there were also no changes in defence, with Emma Xuereb and Jade Schembri continuing to provide the width to Rafanny Mendoza Abache and Tammy Falzon. Michela Cachia protected the defence, while captains Shona Zammit and Sarah Urpani occupied the centre of the park. Ema Micallef orchestrated in the number ten position, behind the attacking partnership of Salamatu Abdulai and Karima Abdulai.
How It Unfolded
Swieqi United kicked things off with an intent on quick passages of play in search of opening up the tactically disciplined Valletta defence. Sarah Urpani earned the side the first corner opportunity, with Shona Zammit picking out Rafanny Mendoza Abache but the finish was headed wide.
Continuing to rotate play, Emma Xuereb was keen on utilising her pace to go forward, working a good combination with Ema Micallef. The latter tested Gabriella Grima at her near post but the Valletta shot-stopper got a foot on it to keep it out.
Valletta attempted to respond with a quick transition, continuing to utilise Marcelle de Oliveira Julio to hold and link up play. The Brazilian also forced compatriot, Patricia Araujo, into a diving save as she tried to find the top corner of the net with a curled effort.
The Citizens grew into the match, picking their spots to go forward. Sabrin Blihi made a clean tackle on Salamatu Abdulai before sending her team forward once more, this time finding Sarah Vella Barberi. She sped on the wing, putting a good delivery into the box, but there was not enough bodies in the box to make Swieqi United sweat.
Despite this, Swieqi United made their possession pay after fifteen minutes, courtesy of Karima Abdulai. She placed a right boot to try to find the far right corner, with Gabriella Grima getting something on the shot but not enough to keep the Ghanaian out.
Swieqi United sought to extend their lead, unafraid to send their pacey forwards in direct confrontation. However, Eduarda Martins Souza was keen on keeping the team out, making a clean tackle to block Salamatu Abdulai’s effort shortly after.
Despite this, the Owls doubled the scoring after the half-hour mark. Emma Xuereb delivered a cut-back to Karima Abdulai, who rifled it into the roof of the net. Salamatu Abdulai found the net just a minute later, but saw it cancelled by the offside flag.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 2 Swieqi United
There were no new introductions at the change of ends. The Owls’ Emma Xuereb tested Gabriella Grima from distance, with the Valeltta keeper palming it for a corner. Ema Micallef picked out Salamatu Abdulai, with the finish just veering wide.
Valletta still had some motivation to try to get back into it, with Suzanne Farrugia Sacco next to make a dart up the wing. Despite beating her initial marker, Rafanny Mendoza Abache closed the door as the youngster tried to cut inside. However, the Citizens struggled to get any really control in the match, with Swieqi United comfortable in midfield.
Valletta’s Jean Lopes was forced into changes, bringing on Megan La Rosa instead of Laura Muscat. La Rosa slotted on the wing, with Sarah Vella Barberi trusted up top. Eduarda Martins Souza could not continue after a meaty challenge, replaced by Lisa Vella who slotted on the width of the defence, pushing Eunice Micallef inside.
The energy continued to fizzle out of the game, with Valletta seemingly having thrown the towel, while Swieqi United attempted to plow on but had little to go for other than adding to their scoreline. Sarah Urpani was found well in the box by Salamatu Abdulai, but the Swieqi United number seven was closed off by Anna Aloisio.
Shona Zammit also rattled the crossbar with an attempt, while Karima Abdulai’s attempt at a follow-through was blocked. The Swieqi United skipper also had a low attempt saved by Gabriella Grima who was well positioned to react with a boot on the ball.
Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma made her first change a defensive swap, bringing on Miriana Conti to face her former team, replacing Tammy Falzon. The young trio of Ilona Abela, Shannen Mallia and Thea Ida Scicluna were also deployed in straight swaps with Jade Schembri, Sarah Urpani and Emma Xuereb for the final few minutes of the match.
Meanwhile, Jean Lopes brought on Sarah Fenech instead of Monique Sultana. Fenech occupied the right wing, pushing Suzanne Farrugia Sacco in midfield.
The Owls made one last drive to round off their score, with Valletta seeing off a corner attempt, before building a good passage of play to get Karima Abdulai on the ball once more. However, the Ghanaian could not keep the left-footed first-hit attempt on target.
Despite this, Karima Abdulai completed her hat-trick two minutes from the full-time whistle. She connected with a well-weighted groundcross from Thea Scicluna at the far post, placing it into the far left corner of the net.
Final Score: Valletta 0 – 3 Swieqi United
Standings & Next Matches
Swieqi United take their tally to 19 points to maintain their third-place, following other results where Birkirkara rose to the top of the table with a victory over Lija Athletic later on in the evening.
Swieqi United and Birkirkara will next go into a direct confrontation, this Thursday (7th) at 20:15 at the Centenary Stadium. Swieqi United eye the chance to level the points with the defending champions, with the latter seeking to extend the gap to them at the top.
Valletta will remain in 6th place on 8 points, two adrift of San Gwann who hold fifth place. The Citizens will next meet Mgarr United on Friday (8th) at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Images: Elise Bajada
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[…] (20:15). The Owls will have the opportunity to equal the Stripes’ tally following their victory over Valletta earlier in the day. However, Birkirkara will eye an extension of their lead to get some breathing […]