by Swieqi United controlled much of the contest to claim a 3–0 win over San Gwann, with Jade Flask opening the scoring and Salamatu Abdulai adding two goals to secure the points. The visitors created a number of further opportunities — including an effort against the crossbar — while San Gwann produced their best moments in the second half through Rodianne Zerafa but were unable to reduce the gap.
Team Selections
Justyne Caruana started in goal for San Gwann, behind a quartet consisting of the returning captain, Annabelle Rapa alongside Mariama Kasim, Sabrin Blihi, Kirstie Vella. Morena Fanega and Rodianne Zerafa started on the flanks, with Rhea Borg and Maria Isabel Otalvarez Rubio holding the midfield. Martina Schembri started further forward, behind Rocio Figueredo who led the attack.
Patricia Araujo remained in goal for Swieqi United. Emma Xuereb captained the team, starting at left-back, with Tammy Falzon, Valentina Rapa and Jade Schembri completing the defence. There were no changes in midfield, with Michaela Cachia sat at the base of the diamond, behind Ema Micallef, Sarah Urpani and Andjela Kricak. Jade Flask partnered Salamatu Abdulai in attack.
How It Unfolded
Swieqi United produced a largely controlled display that yielded three points but arguably could have resulted in a wider margin given the chances created across both halves.
Still, San Gwann opened brightly. Inside the first minute, Morena Fanega was found in space, driving forward before cutting inside to curl toward goal. The effort lacked the power to trouble Patricia Araujo but offered early intent from the hosts.
Swieqi responded almost immediately. In the second minute, Jade Flask was released wide in the box and delivered a dangerous cross toward Sarah Urpani, whose cushioned strike was denied by a strong palm from Justyne Caruana before the defence cleared.
The breakthrough arrived in the 5th minute. A cross from the wing found Jade Flask, who struck a composed first-time volley into the left side of the net to hand the Owls an early advantage.
The second goal arrived in the 14th minute following swift transition play. Valentina Rapa threaded a direct pass into Flask, who turned quickly and curled a through ball for Salamatu Abdulai. Despite pressure from Sabrin Blihi, Abdulai managed to force the effort toward the left post, the ball creeping over the line.
From there, Swieqi dictated the tempo. Rocio Figueredo provided rare encouragement for San Gwann in the 23rd minute with a long-range effort that looped over, while Swieqi continued to threaten through structured pressing and well-rehearsed routines. A short corner nearly produced a third, and Sarah Urpani’s high turnover resulted in a lofted delivery toward Abdulai that required a last-ditch defensive header from Blihi.
By the closing stages of the half, Swieqi’s pressure was relentless. Ema Micallef and Jade Schembri combined well down the right, while Urpani’s looping effort drifted narrowly wide. San Gwann struggled to progress beyond midfield.
Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 2 Swieqi United
San Gwann introduced Thais Muscat for Sabrin Blihi at half-time, reshuffling the defensive line as Rhea Borg moved into centre-back, while Muscat slotted into midfield.
Swieqi nearly extended their lead in the 50th minute when Jade Flask struck the crossbar with a right-footed effort following a cutback from Andjela Kricak. However, San Gwann then produced their strongest spell of the match.
In the 57th minute, Rodianne Zerafa met a beautifully weighted diagonal and unleashed a strike that forced Araujo into a fingertip save onto the crossbar. Moments later, Morena Fanega delivered toward Rhea Borg at the near post, only for Tammy Falzon to produce a crucial block. Rodianne Zerafa was released again in the 60th minute but struck centrally at Araujo.
Swieqi introduced Shona Zammit in the 63rd minute for Sarah Urpani — notably her first appearance since mid-November after injury — and the midfielder quickly helped restore calm and control in possession.
Despite enjoying the majority of the ball, Swieqi found San Gwann increasingly compact. Shona Zammit, Andjela Kricak and Ema Micallef combined in small pockets, but clear openings remained limited for a period.
The third goal finally arrived in the 75th minute. Salamatu Abdulai collected on the edge of the area and curled a first-time effort into the far right corner, effectively ending the contest.
Further changes followed in the 83rd minute. Swieqi introduced Erika Muscat and Eva Koneva, while San Gwann made a triple substitution of their own with Fatma Al Girbi, Alicia Mifsud and Nilayza Attard entering as Julian Camilleri sought fresh energy for the closing stages.
Swieqi continued to probe, with Andjela Kricak trying her luck from distance late on, while Tammy Falzon’s defensive block on Rocio Figueredo preserved the clean sheet before Erika Muscat gathered calmly to see out the remainder of time.
Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 3 Swieqi United
Standings & Next Matches
Swieqi United ensure the three points to retain the gap in second place and put the pressure on Hibernians to maintain their own battle. The Owls will next face Birkirkara following the international break on the 12th March at the Centenary Stadium (20:15).
On their part, Birkirkara will be in action this evening against Hibernians at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (20:30).
San Gwann will return to action following the international break against the league leaders Mgarr United on the 14th of March at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00. However, the Greens could have confirmed their league title by then, depending on their ability to overcome bottom-team Valletta this Saturday at 18:00 at the same ground, just before the international break.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Dorienne Grech
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
