by Swieqi United secured a 7 – 1 victory against San Gwann. Sara Saliba netted a poker, with Salamatu Abdulai delivering a brace and Aleksandra Yaneva completing the score. Morena Fanega continued to be on the mark for San Gwann, with Rhea Borg also saving a penalty as the Yellows had to organise a make-shift goalkeeper following injury to Geona Muscat.
Team Selections
Julian Camilleri trusted Raisa Magro with her first senior start in goal for San Gwann. She was protected by a back line consisting of Sabrin Blihi, Lisa Vella and Kirstie Vella. Naila Addo and Kirsty Paris continued to operate on the wings, while captain Annabelle Rapa and Rhea Borg kept the partnership in midfield. Morena Fanega and Hailey Russell continued to support Rodianne Zerafa in attack.
Patricia Araujo returned in goal for Swieqi United behind an unchanged defence consisting of Valentina Rapa, Rafanny Mendoza and Tammy Falzon. Jade Schembri and Emma Xuereb started on the wings, with Michaela Cachia partnering captain Shona Zammit in midfield. Aleksandra Yaneva and Salamatu Abdulai continued to flank Sara Saliba in attack.
How It Unfolded
Swieqi United sought control early on, with San Gwann showing a more positive stance to hold a high line and challenge for control. However, the Owls nudged themselves into the lead in the tenth minute. Jade Schembri launched a high ball from deep in the wing, which Raisa Magro palmed but straight into the path of Sara Saliba who was ready to convert the rebound.
Swieqi United continued to display their strengths to double their lead just three minutes later. Winning the ball just outside the box, Michaela Cachia undid the defence with one pass to find Salamatu Abdulai’s diagonal run behind. She placed a low cross for Sara Saliba to tap home the second of the night.
The Owls continued to show good intensity for creation, with the wing-backs Jade Schembri and Emma Xuereb pushing forward with crafty runs to offer options for further chances. Xuereb showed persistence to challenge Naila Addo on the byline as the Ghanaian attempted to shield the ball out. Though the Swieqi veteran seemed clipped, referee Paula Buttigieg was restrained on the whistle, with Sara Saliba rattling the crossbar from the loose ball.
However, the youngster completed the hat-trick in the 22nd minute, blasting the finish into the right side of the net. Once again it was an intelligently weighted forward pass from Salamatu Abdulai to find the forward’s run in the box.
Having taken plenty against them, San Gwann saw a glimpse going forward with Morena Fanega taking on Jade Schembri on the wing. However, Schembri kept a strong stance to shirk off the Argentinian from the ball. The San Gwann bench protested but Paula Buttigieg was unyielding with the whistle.
Hailey Russell and Rodianne Zerafa both struck attempts from distance, but neither was able to trouble Patricia Araujo.
The side succumbed to the fourth in the 25th minute, with Salamatu Abdulai tapping home the finish from a cross by Sara Saliba. Swieqi United kept up the firepower with Aleksandra Yaneva making it five just past the half-hour mark, latching onto another intelligent through ball by Michaela Cachia.
Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 5 Swieqi United
Both teams freshened up at the break. Ema Micallef and Ylenia Azzopardi came in to replace Michaela Cachia and Valentina Rapa for Swieqi United. Fatma Al Girbi and Thais Muscat replaced Naila Addo and Kirsty Paris. Al Girbi slotted in midfield with Annabelle Rapa shifting wide.
Swieqi United picked up exactly where they left off with Ema Micallef immediately involved in the creation of the sixth. The midfielder released Salamatu Abdulai behind the defensive line, with the Ghanaian lifting just enough to find the far left corner of the net.
Both sides had opportunities to create something from a free-kick. Fatma Al Girbi’s delivery was defended well by the Owls, with the side also blocking Rhea Borg’s second effort. At the other end, Shona Zammit was stepped on as she attempted a dart into the box, but Aleksandra Yaneva’s finish was too tame, with Raisa Magro collecting.
However, Swieqi United found their seventh of the night with Sara Saliba displaying individual skill as she lifted the ball in the air under control, rolling her marker to find herself with space in front of goal and thundering the finish into the left side of the net.
Julian Camilleri responded with a double change as Raisa Magro gave way to Geona Muscat in goal, while Sabrin Blihi was replaced by Mariama Kasim.
Chances developed at either end, though Swieqi United continued to control the majority of possession. Emma Xuereb delivering a deflected cross that Geona Muscat collected, while Rafanny Mendoza headed a corner delivery from Shona Zammit but lacked the power to trouble Geona Muscat who was well placed to collect. At the other end, Rodianne Zerafa released a shot that was blocked by Tammy Falzon.
Swieqi United were forced into a change as Ema Micallef took a knock, with Sarah Urpani replacing her in midfield. Kim Fava also took to the pitch in attack, with Aleksandra Yaneva making way. Thea Ida Scicluna also replaced Emma Xuereb. Meanwhile, Martina Vassallo also replaced Annabelle Rapa with both sides completing their available five substitutions.
Things took a turn for the worse for San Gwann as Sara Saliba challenged to head home the ball, finding Geona Muscat ready to collect. However, the goalkeeper seemed to land awkwardly, with a sharp cry of pain echoing around the stadium. With all first aiders present at the match surrounding the goalkeeper, altercations developing on the pitch between Sara Saliba and Rhea Borg, with various members involved to tone down the situation and Paula Buttigieg needing to assume control. The young goalkeeper was stretchered out, with Rhea Borg assuming the goalkeeping role and San Gwann falling down to ten.
Under the cosh, the side responded with a forward belief, with Hailey Russell being a nuisance to force a loose ball. The American fired toward the top corner at the near post, forcing a palm from Patricia Araujo. Morena Fanega delivered the consolation goal with Swieqi United unable to deal with it in the box.
The team in Yellow faced further pressure as Kim Fava hit the deck in the box against a challenge from Mariama Kasim. However, Rhea Borg denied the young forward the goal, saving the penalty with her feet.
Not yet fully simmered down, Sara Saliba was taken off by the Owls late on, with the Swieqi United falling to ten for the final moments.
Final Score: San Gwann 1 – 7 Swieqi United
Standings & Next Matches
Swieqi United keep themselves level with Hibernians on fifteen points. San Gwann will be looking to review the extent of injuries piling up, but will take heart from the response as they hope for a positive return.
Tonight will present the final match between league leaders Mgarr United and bottom of the table, Valletta. They will meet at Dingli Ground at 18:00, before the international break begins. The Malta Football Association is yet to make any formal communication regarding the organisation of the international window pertaining to the women’s senior and youth national teams.
Details about the next Assikura Women’s League fixtures may be found here.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
