by Swieqi United secured a 2 – 0 victory against Birkirkara, courtesy of a brace by Sara Saliba. Birkirkara will rue missed opportunities, while Swieqi churned out just enough to take home the three points on the night.
Team Selections
Julia Zarb started in goal for Birkrikara behind a back-four consisting of Lara May Azzopardi, Haruhi Sekura, captain Stephania Farrugia and Stella Francalanza. Gabriella Zahra and Ylenia Grech partnered in midfield, with Momo Ueda orchestrating further forward. Kay Axiak and debutant Maria Borges Monteiro started on the flanks, while Izabella Stringer led the attack.
Patricia Araujo continued to captain Swieqi United and protect the goal. Valentina Rapa and Tammy Falzon continued their partnership in defence, with Jade Schembri and Jade Flask operating out wide. Michaela Cachia was joined by Ema Micallef and Sarah Urpani in midfield, with Andjela Kricak trusted to orchestrate further forward behind the attacking partnership of Salamatu Abdulai and Sara Saliba.
How It Unfolded
Sara Kankaras kicked off proceedings with the two teams grappling early on. Birkirkara started off brightly with swift play from Lara May Azzopardi knocked down by Izabella Stringer for Momo Ueda. The Japanese midfielder linked with Ylenia Grech before firing an effort to test Patricia Araujo early on.
Half-chances developed for either side, with both defences coming out on top against set-pieces. Swieqi’s attempt to catch Birkirkara on the break was well armed against by the Stripes.
Sara Saliba attempted to make something happen on the byline for the Owls but found the Stripes ready to suffocate once more, before another chance developed at the other end. Momo Ueda linked with Maria Borges Monteiro, before firing a searching effort. Gabriella Zahra’s run behind was unmarked, but the veteran couldn’t get the right control on the touch to find the net.
With both sides having grappled to create solid opportunities, Swieqi United’s Sara Saliba was sharpest to react to a loose ball, tapping home the opener in the 28th minute in what ultimately resulted in a rather cheap goal for the Stripes to concede.
Still, Birkirkara did not let themselves get fazed, with Izabella Stringer firing a searching shot on the turn moments later and not far off from the target.
Julia Zarb stuck out a well-controlled foot to deny Sara Saliba from close range just four minutes later. Ema Micallef’s corner delivery was put into a good area, but found no takers making the touch in the six-yard box.
At the other end, Patricia Araujo kept the team with their noses in front as Maria Borges Monteiro sought a debuting strike from outside the box.
Half-Time Score: Birkirkara 0 – 1 Swieqi United
Amelia Vassallo replaced Izabella Stringer at the break, with Momo Ueda thrusted forward, while Vassallo occupied the playmaker’s role.
With the onus on them to chase the match, Birkirkara had the brighter start in possession but struggled to break a sweat from Patricia Araujo. On their part, Swieqi United were looking to find their feet and fashioned a good break on the right wing, with Sara Saliba dinking the ball to find Jade Schembri’s overlap. However, Stephania Farrugia dealt with the cross in the box, sending her team the other way. Tammy Falzon took the booking as Momo Ueda got the march toward the equaliser, while Valentina Rapa was sweeping anything in her path.
The Stripes earned themselves the opportunity to strike the equaliser from a free-kick in close proximity. Having struck gold last week, Momo Ueda opted for power and a change in direction, but the idea didn’t come into fruition on the execution.
At the other end, Jade Flask and Salamatu Abdulai continued to find each other well to fashion a good spell for Swieqi United. However, Stephania Farrugia was again on the mark with another strong block as Abdulai sought to finish from inside the box.
Maia Gauci replaced Kay Axiak as Birkirkara hoped to inject fresh legs and more speed. However, the Owls found the comfort of a two goal cushion in the 71st minute. Salamatu Abdulai delivered a precise cross, which Sara Saliba cushioned home at the far post.
Swieqi United’s midfield was freshened up with Eva Koneva making an appearance instead of Sarah Urpani, as Sara Kankaras continued to keep a close eye on proceedings. Swieqi United were doing everything in their power to disrupt any potential rhythm to Birkirkara’s game, in search of seeing out the match with a clean sheet.
Birkirkara pushed to get themselves on the scoresheet, though the side struggled to make the most of another corner with Stephania Farrugia unable to make the right contact. Amelia Vassallo opted for a short routine in free-kick shortly after linking with Momo Ueda, despite the opportunity of putting a foot through it. The duo almost fashioned something further later on, with Ueda curling a cross toward the far post, but Vassallo was late with the run into the box, with the Stripes left ruing their opportunities.
Final changes ensued for Swieqi United, with Emma Xuereb making a return from injury, replacing Jade Schembri. Miriana Conti swapped with Jade Flask, while Shannen Mallia replaced Ema Micallef.
Birkirkara continued showing positive signs in creation, though Swieqi United were let off the hook with a back-firing clearance latched onto by Maria Borges Monteiro who was off target with the finish.
Gabriella Zahra managed a hopeful shot from distance which Patricia Araujo collected. Stephania Farrugia earned the team a final opportunity to put the ball into the box, with the drawn foul appearing to be a painful one for the veteran. However, the skipper soldiered on, with Birkirkara unable to find a late consolation.
Final Score: Birkirkara 0 – 2 Swieqi United
Standings & Next Matches
Swieqi United keep their winning momentum, with Birkirkara probably feeling they could have earned more from the match. Swieqi United will next face Hibernians on Friday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, with the latter playing against Valletta later today at the Charles Abela Stadium (20:30). Birkirkara will return against the league leaders, Mgarr United, on Saturday at the Charles Abela Stadium (18:00).
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
