by Birkirkara will progress to the semi-final after edging out Swieqi United by 2 – 1. Swieqi United forced extra-time through goalkeeper Patricia Araujo’s late equaliser, cancelling out Momo Ueda’s earlier strike for Birkirkara in a tense contest. However, the Stripes regained control in extra time, with Ueda turning provider for Kleydiana Monteiro Maria Borges to seal progression and bring Swieqi’s season to an end.
Team Selections
Maleni Morales remained in goal for Birkirkara. Lara May Azzopardi started in partnership with Haruhi Sekura in the absence of Stephania Farrugia. Kay Axiak and Stella Francalanza started out wide. Gabriella Zahra captained the team, holding the midfield alongside Momo Ueda. Kleydiana Monteiro Maria Borges and Gloria Cassar started out wide, with Ylenia Grech and Amelia Vassallo leading the attack.
Patricia Araujo started in goal for Swieqi United, behind a quartet of Sarah Urpani, Valentina Rapa, Tammy Falzon and Emma Xuereb. Michaela Cachia started at the base of the diamond, with captain Shona Zammit and Ema Micallef further forward. Andjela Kricak orchestrated behind Jade Flask and Salamatu Abdulai.
How It Unfolded
Swieqi United settled quickest, showing early intent through Jade Flask and Salamatu Abdulai, with direct runs and switches of play testing Birkirkara’s makeshift defensive structure.
A moment of quality from Andjela Kricak in the 14th minute almost carved open the defence, but Maleni Morales remained alert. On the touchline, captain Stephania Farrugia could be seen urging her side forward as Birkirkara struggled to establish rhythm.
Against the run of play, Birkirkara came close in the 21st minute, as Kleydiana Monteiro Maria Borges struck the post following a long ball forward — a warning sign that shifted the momentum. The Stripes began to impose themselves from then on.
Lara May Azzopardi and Haruhi Sekura held firm at the back though working in an untested partnership, while Kleydiana Monteiro Maria Borges and Amelia Vassallo grew into the contest, driving the team forward and forcing Swieqi deeper.
Despite half chances at both ends — including a late opportunity for Swieqi where the final touch eluded both Jade Flask and Valentina Rapa — the half ended goalless, though with Birkirkara finishing stronger.
Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 0 – 0 Swieqi United
Swieqi’s Dorianne Theuma introduced Sara Saliba for Sarah Urpani at the break, reshuffling defensively as they sought a renewed attacking edge.
The second half began with greater urgency from the Owls. The midfield sought to make a quick transition pay off with Andjela Kricak immediately finding Ema Micallef after winning the ball back. She released Salamatu Abdulai with the outside of her foot but the long-range effort struck the side-netting. Sara Saliba was keen on making her mark in the match, testing Maleni Morales as Swieqi looked to regain control.
However, it was Birkirkara who struck first, breaking the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Momo Ueda reacted quickest to convert into an empty net, following a strong save from Patricia Araujo against a venomous shot from Kleydiana Monteiro Maria Borges — a goal that ignited the Birkirkara support.
The match then grew increasingly fractious as Birkirkara went into game management mode, while Swieqi chased their way back.
Referee Adnan Guleli was called into action multiple times, first booking Sara Saliba for a late challenge, before a contentious moment saw Stella Francalanza cautioned, much to the frustration of the Birkirkara bench and supporters, who felt Saliba had escaped a second booking as the instigator of the challenge on Francalanza.
As tensions rose, Guleli remained central to proceedings, managing appeals and physical duels as both sides pushed for control.
Swieqi responded with attacking intent, shifting into a 4-3-3 system and committing numbers forward, with Shona Zammit shifting into the attack out wide, while Andjela Kricak and Ema Micallef drove possession.
Late pressure mounted, with Sara Saliba and Shona Zammit both going close, as Birkirkara continued to manage the clock — a tactic that drew visible frustration from the Swieqi bench.
However, Swieqi’s pressure finally told deep into stoppage time. It was now or never for the Owls, and Swieqi coach, Dorianne Theuma, gave Patricia Araujo the signal to leave her station and join the attack.
On the touchline, the contrast was stark as the free-kick was launched by Shona Zammit — Dorianne Theuma pacing anxiously, while Charlene Zammit and Stephania Farrugia could not watch as the moment unfolded.
The free-kick from midfield saw Valentina Rapa keep the ball alive, before Patricia Araujo — left unmarked — volleyed home to equalise, sparking wild celebrations as the match was sent into extra time.
Full-Time Score: Birkirkara 1 – 1 Swieqi United
Swieqi carried momentum into extra time, nearly taking the lead early in the first period, but again lacked the decisive final touch.
However, Birkirkara remained composed and found the breakthrough once more in the 108th minute.
A well-weighted pass released Momo Ueda, who delivered a precise low ball across goal for Kleydiana Maria Monteiro Borges to tap home, restoring Birkirkara’s lead and edging once more toward the semi-final.
Swieqi pushed once more, introducing Eva Koneva for Michaela Cachia in the 113th minute and committing numbers forward, with Jade Flask pushed higher up the pitch.
Charlene Zammit could be seen urging her side through the final phases, while Dorianne Theuma cut a more resigned figure as the reality of elimination set in.
Despite efforts from Salamatu Abdulai and Shona Zammit, Birkirkara’s defence — marshalled by Morales — held firm, with Adnan Guleli’s whistle confirming Birkirkara’s place in the semi-final.
Final Score AET: Birkirkara 2 – 1 Swieqi United
Next Matches & International Break
The final whistle confirmed Birkirkara’s progression as the Stripes continue their strong run of form, despite limited numbers. For Swieqi United, the defeat brings their season to an end, with the late equaliser ultimately not enough to sustain their push through extra time.
Birkirkara will contest the semi-final against Valletta. Mgarr United secured the other place in the semi-final earlier in the afternoon, following a victory against San Gwann. The Greens will meet Hibernians in the next stage.
Fixtures are still to be announced but are expected to be held after the international break.
Malta’s senior team will be contesting a double-header against the Northern Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup European Qualifications on the 14th (away) and 18th of April (at home). The Malta U19 group will be led by Melania Bajada for the first time as they contest the UEFA U19 European Championship against Israel, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria.
Lead Image: Dorienne Grech
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