by Swieqi United’s sustained control was reflected on the scoreboard as Jade Flask struck a hat-trick, with further goals from Ema Micallef, Emma Xuereb, and Salamatu Abdulai sealing a 6–1 victory over Valletta, whose reply came through Joelma Alves Gabriel. The margin could have been wider, with Andjela Kricak and Valentina Rapa both denied by the woodwork as Swieqi continued to create chances throughout.
Team Selections
Patricia Araujo continued her stay in goal for Swieqi United behind a shuffled defence. Tammy Falzon returned in the centre-back partnership with Valentina Rapa. Emma Xuereb captained the side from right-back, while Thea Ida Scicluna started on the left. Michaela Cachia continued her stay at the base of the diamond, with Sarah Urpani and Ema Micallef partnering further forward. Andjela Kricak occupied the number ten position behind the attacking duo of Salamatu Abdulai and Jade Flask.
Dorienne Grech returned in goal for Valletta. Shakira Bugeja started in partnership with Ilona Sultana, while Edera Marmara’ and Lorna-Maria Cassar occupied the space out wide. Carla Giles continued to operated in front of the defence, with Somaya Muscat fielded alongside Eliza Csik. Captain Joelma Alves Gabriel continued her stay behind the attacking partnership of Daisy Reino and Ines Mohammed.
How It Unfolded
Played in steady rain on a slick surface, conditions suited quick circulation and decisive movement, and Swieqi adapted immediately. The Owls settled into possession early, probing patiently through Ema Micallef and Sarah Urpani.
Early chances reflected Swieqi’s intent rather than urgency. Dorienne Grech was tested but not overwhelmed as Valletta struggled to escape their own half, often lacking composure on the release. Joelma Alves Gabriel grew visibly frustrated as support ahead of her failed to materialise, while Swieqi continued to recycle possession and push numbers forward.
The breakthrough arrived after 23 minutes following quick thinking in transition. Valentina Rapa intercepted effectively at one end, before Swieqi broke forward with purpose. Andjela Kricak threaded a precise through ball for Jade Flask, who kept her composure to place a low finish into the far corner.
Kricak almost doubled the lead moments later, curling a free-kick from a tight angle against the post, before Valletta were punished again for hesitation on the ball. Flask was released in behind once more and finished calmly to make it 2–0, reward for Swieqi’s growing authority.
Despite the scoreline, Swieqi continued to create rather than retreat. Corners piled up and Dorienne Grech was forced into a series of interventions, including a strong save to deny Flask a first-half hat-trick. Valentina Rapa also came close from a corner, striking the post as Valletta struggled to stem the pressure.
Just before the interval, Swieqi’s patience paid off again. A worked free-kick was recycled into the area, where Ema Micallef arrived to drive a first-time effort into the bottom corner, giving the hosts a deserved advantage at the break.
Half-Time Score: Swieqi United 3 – 0 Valletta
Valletta introduced a double change at half-time, with Kristina Zammit and Aalliyah Bonnici Carbonaro replacing Somaya Muscat and Carla Giles, while Jade Schembri replaced Thea Ida Scicluna for Swieqi United.
Swieqi maintained their tempo. Three minutes after the restart, Salamatu Abdulai burst through on the dribble, and although Dorienne Grech initially kept the effort out, Jade Flask reacted quickest to turn in the rebound and complete her hat-trick.
Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma shuffled the pack with Shannen Mallia and Eva Koneva taking to midfield instead of Sarah Urpani and Ema Micallef, while Patricia Araujo gave way to Erika Muscat in goal. Miriana Conti also replaced Jade Flask later on, with Emma Xuereb thrusted forward in attack, as Conti settled in the left-back position.
Anton Cremona freshened things up in attack, bringing on Leona Carabott and Phoebe Camilleri instead of Daisy Reino and Edera Marmara’.
To their credit, Valletta showed improved intent as the half wore on. Joelma Alves Gabriel continued her influence in creation, with the side forcing blocks from Erika Muscat. However, the Valletta captain eventually found reward on the 71st minute with a well-placed long-range strike into the left corner.
Valletta looked capable of building momentum for a brief spell, with Anton Cremona urging his side forward from the touchline. Dorianne Theuma was equally vocal, demanding a higher tempo and sharper movement as Swieqi momentarily dipped.
The response was effective. Emma Xuereb capped the performance by stepping forward to fire into the net in the 80th minute after intelligent build-up starting from the back against the Valletta press, with the team involving Miriana Conti and Eva Koneva down the left to go up the pitch.
Valletta continued to find space in moments, with Eliza Csik missing a clear chance from a tight angle, but Swieqi’s control remained intact. The scoring was completed in the final moments when Emma Xuereb’s effort was saved, only for Salamatu Abdulai to react quickest and place the rebound into the net.
Final Score: Swieqi United 6 – 1 Valletta
Standings & Next Matches
Swieqi finish the round with confidence, while Valletta are left searching for defensive improvement despite signs of attacking growth.
The defending champions will kick-start the final round against the league leaders, a yet unbeaten Mgarr United, with the match setting the stage for a potential mathematical curtain on this season league title.
Valletta will return against Birkirkara on Valentine’s Day, at 18:00 at Dingli Ground.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: RPC Photo MT
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