Swieqi United Dominant Against San Gwann

Swieqi United scored eight goals without reply against San Gwann, maximising their points tally out of the first two matches of the season. Karima Abdulai struck four times, while Salamatu Abdulai scored a brace. Mariah Sciberras and debutant Kaysia Micallef completed the rout. Patricia Araujo’s debut went sour in the latter portions after receiving a straight red.

Line-Ups

San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri fielded Ivana Schembri in goal in the absence of Justyne Caruana. Nicole Camenzuli, Fatma Al Girbi and Kirstie Vella maintained their presence in the first eleven. Andjela Kricak continued to captain the side in the absence of Annabelle Rapa who made an appearance from the bench. Rabab Mhalli and Nilayza Attard were also among those to maintain their presence in the first eleven. However, as mentioned by Julian Camilleri in the pre-match interview, there were a number of new starters, including Nicole Saliba, Maria Ibrahim, Michela Formosa and Cassidy Mihalic.

Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin handed Patricia Araujo her debut in goal, while also giving Kaysia Micallef her first senior appearance, who slotted on the right wing. Rafanny Mendoza Abache also made her first appearance this season. Jessica Dimech, Jade Schembri, Tammy Falzon, maintained their place in the defence. Meanwhile, Mariah Sciberras continued to partner Shona Zammit, who retained her captaincy in the absence of Dorianne Theuma. Emma Xuereb, Salamatu Abdulai, Karima Abdulai maintained their place in the attacking unit.

The Owls Dominate The Half

Any expectation of a more even fixture due to San Gwann’s overhaul in the summer quickly evaporated when Swieqi United delivered two goals in quick succession within the first quarter of an hour. Karima Abdulai opened the scoring in the fourteenth minute, following which Salamatu Abdulai converted a corner delivery from Emma Xuereb to give the Owls a two goal lead.

Mariah Sciberras made it three just five minutes later. She showed good vision to notice Schembri off her line and pulled the trigger from distance to find the back of the net and open her tally for the season.

The Yellows managed to hold off Swieqi United from extending their lead for twenty minutes before a weak back-pass allowed Karima Abdulai straight in on goal. She won the duel with the goalkeeper before slotting home her second of the night.

Half-Time Score: San Gwann 0 – 4 Swieqi United

Abdulai Tops Scorers List, Micallef Scores on Debut

Both coaches opted to make changes at the break. Julian Camilleri introduced captain Annabelle Rapa who made her return following the injury sustained against Mgarr United in the opening match of the season. Shania Gheiti also made an appearance off the bench. The duo replaced Nicole Saliba and Cassidy Mihalic. Meanwhile, Saviour Darmanin gave Michaela Cachia the run for the second half in replacement of Mariah Sciberras, while Maria Vella came on in a direct swap with Emma Xuereb.

Any hope that San Gwann had of starting on a better foot in the second half, quickly faded when Karima Abdulai completed her hattrick just a few minutes into the restart. She added her fourth around ten minutes later to take herself to the top scorer position in the league with five goals in two games.

Swieqi United were still not happy with the scoreline and Kaysia Micallef completed a dream debut by scoring the seventh in the fifty-seventh minute. She made her way into the penalty box to meet a cross, got the ball under control before finishing into the net.

Darmanin freshened up the defence shortly after, bringing on another Swieqi United debutant in Thea Ida Scicluna, alongside veteran Mandy Debono. The two replaced Jade Schembri and Tammy Falzon. Kaysia Micallef also made way for fellow debutant Leanne Frendo in the seventieth minute. Meanwhile, Julian Camilleri also gave some valuable minutes to Tracy Axiak and Chanice Grixti, who replaced the young duo of Michela Formosa and Nilayza Attard.

The final goal came close to the final ten minutes of the match, thanks to Salamatu Abdulai converting from the spot. Karima Abdulai won the penalty after she was brought down as she made a dash up the wing.

Despite an otherwise fantastic display, the Owls could not complete the night in a perfect manner, as goalkeeper Paty was sent off in the final minutes of the match. The goalkeeper was thrown in the deep end after a wayward backpass allowed San Gwann in on goal. Paty came out to meet the attacker but took nothing of the ball, earning a straight red. Yana Scicluna made a late appearance for San Gwann after Shania Gheiti had to be taken off.

Final Score: San Gwann 0 – 8 Swieqi United

Next Matches

San Gwann will face stern opposition again next week, when they meet the defending champions Birkirkara. The two will play the first match of the double-header at Dingli Ground on Saturday 16th September, with kick-off at 18:00. Swieqi United will follow that match with the encounter against Hibernians, which begins at 20:30.

Lead Image: Jonathan Sajeba

Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X