by Swieqi United secured a 2–0 victory over Hibernians, confirming second place in the league, with Salamatu Abdulai’s first-half brace proving decisive in a high-intensity contest. Hibernians responded with sustained second-half pressure but were unable to convert their chances, while a late red card for Maya Cachia further complicated their push as Swieqi held firm to see out the result.
Team Selections
Maya Cachia started in goal for Hibernians, behind a back-three consisting of Amber Galea, Natalee Geren and Georgiana Mifsud. Ileana Farrugia and Yolande Attard operated as wing-backs, with captain Nicole Sciberras holding the midfield alongside Francesca Bartolo and Olivia Nazarko. Nyorah Celeste and Sylivia Kabene offered pace up front.
Patricia Araujo retained her place in goal for Swieqi United, behind the quartet of Sarah Urpani, Valentina Rapa, Tammy Falzon and Emma Xuereb. Michaela Cachia continued to operate at the base of the diamond behind Ema Micallef, captain Shona Zammit and Andjela Kricak. Jade Flask partnered Salamatu Abdulai in attack.
How It Unfolded
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively. Swieqi created the first opening inside the opening minute as Salamatu Abdulai capitalised on a defensive lapse, but lifted her effort over the bar.
Hibernians responded shortly after, with Nyorah Celeste forcing a strong save from Patricia Araujo following a first-time volley.
Despite the early exchanges, Swieqi gradually edged control of possession and began to impose themselves higher up the pitch.
That pressure paid off in the 14th minute, when Shona Zammit won the ball high up the pitch before releasing Salamatu Abdulai, who drove a low effort into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
Hibernians struggled to build sustained attacks, relying largely on direct balls toward Sylivia Kabene, while Swieqi continued to threaten in transition.
The second goal arrived in the 38th minute through a similar pattern. A defensive clearance fell to Andjela Kricak, who quickly released Abdulai behind the line. The forward rounded Maya Cachia and finished calmly to double the advantage.
Hibernians created only sporadic openings before the break, with Kabene firing over and Francesca Bartolo unable to capitalise on a late opportunity.
Hibernians’ Martina Borg made changes at half-time, introducing Leah Ayres and Amy Catania in place of Nyorah Celeste and Ileana Farrugia, triggering shuffles in positions as the side sought a route back into the match.
The Paolites showed greater urgency after the restart, creating a series of chances. Leah Ayres headed over from close range before being denied again by Emma Xuereb, while Olivia Nazarko’s high pressing created further openings.
Swieqi, however, remained organised, with Tammy Falzon producing a crucial block to deny Kabene, while Araujo continued to command her area effectively.
Both sides made further changes in the 72nd minute. Swieqi introduced Eva Koneva and Sara Saliba for Ema Micallef and Sarah Urpani, also triggering a series of positional rotations on the pitch, while Hibernians responded with Sarah Vella Barberi and Cali Schechinger replacing Yolande Attard and Sylivia Kabene.
The decisive moment of the second half came in the 81st minute.
Swieqi broke forward through Sara Saliba, who was brought down by goalkeeper Maya Cachia outside the area. Referee Sanu Joy showed a straight red card, reducing Hibernians to ten players.
Forced into a change, Hibernians introduced Maya Muscat in goal, with Olivia Nazarko making way.
Swieqi looked to take advantage of the numerical superiority, with Andjela Kricak testing Muscat from a free-kick shortly after.
Further substitutions followed as Swieqi freshened the side, with Jade Schembri and Shannen Mallia replacing Emma Xuereb and Michaela Cachia, before Erika Muscat came on for Patricia Araujo late on.
Despite their advantage, Swieqi were unable to extend the lead, while Hibernians continued to push forward with determination.
In stoppage time, Leah Ayres had a final opportunity after Swieqi were caught playing out from the back, but Erika Muscat reacted well to preserve the clean sheet.
Standings & Final Matches
The result confirms Swieqi United in second place, while Hibernians will finish third, with one match to go to complete tallies. Swieqi United will conclude their league campaign against Valletta on Friday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, while Hibernians will seek to put one final league test at Mgarr United on Saturday at the Centenary Stadium (18:00), before the latter lift their maiden league trophy.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
Lead Image: RPC Photo MT.
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