by Swieqi United secured an 8 – 0 win against Valletta to progress to the semi-final of the Jubilee Cup. The Owls were nudged forward by a brace by Sara Saliba split by a goal by Valentina Rapa. Salamatu Abdulai netted a poker, before Aleksandra Yaneva finished off the contest late on.
Team Selections
Chanelle Borg started in goal for the first time this year for Swieqi United. Rafanny Mendoza Abache also made her first appearance since hobbling off in the UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture against Agarista Aneni Noi. The Venezuelan started between Valentina Rapa and Tammy Falzon, with Sarah Urpani and Thea Ida Sciculna occupying the flanks. Michaela Cachia partnered captain Shona Zammit in midfield. There were no changes in attack, with Sara Saliba continuing to operate between Salamatu Abdulai and Aleksandra Yaneva.
Isabel Sanchez Bacaicoa also made a first start in goal for Valletta. Anton Cremona stuck to a back-five with Shakira Bugeja captaining the side and accompanying Sarah Caruana and Ilona Sultana at the heart of the defence, Lorna-Maria Cassar and Julianne Camilleri operated out wide. Danicia Ciantar started in midfield alongside Hannah Grima, with Edera Marmara’ and Nicole Grixti operating wide. Hannah Fenech led the attack.
How It Unfolded
It did not take long for Swieqi United to get their noses in front. Sara Saliba drilled a left-footed effort into the near post inside the third minute. The forward was initially closed down by Valletta as she tried to make the most to open the space for the shot after receiving the cross from Salamatu Abdulai. However, the young forward won it back, with no hesitancy to pull the trigger for the opener on the second opportunity.
Despite this falling to an early goal, the Citizens earned a cheap corner a minute later with Swieqi United miscommunicating at the back with the pass. However, Rafanny Mendoza Abache towered to head away the clearance.
Valentina Rapa earned her first goal in Swieqi colours in the sixth minute. The defender converted the corner delivery from Aleksandra Yaneva from inside the six-yard box.
There was little respite for Valletta, with Swieqi United continuing to control possession and fire home the third before the quarter of an hour mark elapsed. Sara Saliba was precise with the half-volley into the right-side of the net, converting the cross from Aleksandra Yaneva.
Unafraid to change approach, Michaela Cachia showed quick feet to travel from midfield toward the box, with Valletta unable to shirk her from possession. However, Isabel Sanchez was well placed to hold the shot.
Valletta were inspired forward by Hannah Fenech with the youngster taking on the Swieqi defence on a few occasions. Although mostly struggling for support, the side appeared to be onto something as the forward found Danicia Ciantar in midfield. However, the attack fizzled as the side attempted to switch play to Edera Marmara, instead finding Rafanny Mendoza Abache.
Swieqi United kept up the chase for more to good effect, with a hat-trick by Salamatu Abdulai closed off before the break. The Ghanaian converted a low drive from a cut-back by Sarah Urpani from the edge of the box just before the hour mark.
Running on the shoulder, the forward darted into the box before firing across from inside the box for Swieqi’s fifth in the 33rd minute. Thea Ida Scicluna delivered the cross fro the sixth in the 43rd minute, with the Ghanaian capitalising at the far post.
Half-Time Score: Swieqi United 6 – 0 Valletta
Forced changes ensued from both benches at the break with several youngsters in rotation. Ema Micallef and Shannen Mallia took to Swieqi’s midfield, with the duo replacing Thea Ida Scicluna and Tammy Falzon. Ylenia Azzopardi took to the defence, with Valentina Rapa shifting onto the wing. Chanelle Borg also gave way to Patricia Araujo in goal.
Meanwhile, Valletta also shuffled their midfield, with Ulani Belkis and Leona Carabott taking to the pitch instead of Danicia Ciantar and Hannah Fenech. Somaya Muscat replaced Julianne Camilleri on the wing.
The Owls picked up where they left off. Shona Zammit looked to have played the most cunning assist with a no-look pass to nudge it behind for Salamatu Abdulai to shoot. However, she was denied by the offside flag.
Isabel Sanchez was kept busy with the side unafraid to change tactic, launching a ball from behind for Aleksandra Yaneva to chase. However, the Spanish goalkeeper was quick to sweep.
Despite this, Aleksandra Yaneva delivered a perfectly whipped cross for Salamatu Abdulai to head home into the bottom left corner in the 55th minute.
Valentina Rapa smacked a volley straight into the cross bar ten minutes later, as she ventured forward to convert a cross from Salamatu Abdulai. The Ghanaian gave way to Kim Fava shortly after.
Although mostly subdued, Valletta had some action inside Swieqi’s box with a cross causing some trouble for the Owls. Patricia Araujo made enough of a deflection on the finish from Somaya Muscat, but the officials ruled out the action with a free-kick awarded for Swieqi.
The Owls finished off the night with their eighth goal through Aleksandra Yaneva. Though denied by the crossbar earlier on, the Bulgarian made sure to get herself on the scoresheet, dribbling the goalkeeper, before placing it low into the gaping net.
Final Score: Swieqi United 8 – 0 Valletta
Next Round
Swieqi United will progress to the semi-final of the competition, where they will meet Mgarr United on the 15th of November at the Centenary Stadium (17:30).
Tonight will present the other preliminary round tie in the MFA Jubilee Cup between Birkirkara and San Gwann at 19:00 at the Centenary Stadium. The winner will take a place in the other semi-final, against Hibernians.
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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