by Valletta came back to secure a 2-1 victory to maintain their unbeaten streak in the final phase. Rabab Mhalli gave San Gwann the lead in the opening half. However, Eduarda Martins Souza equalised from the penalty spot, before Laura Muscat fired home the winner late on.
Team Selections
Andressa De Souza Ramos started in goal for Valletta, behind a trio of Sabrin Blihi, Eduarda Martins Souza and Michela Bonello Ghio. Monique Sultana and Francesca Bartolo occupied the midfield, with Miriana Conti employed further forward. Ylenia Grech and Sarah Vella Barberi started on the flanks, while captain Anna Aloisio was supported by Laura Muscat in attack.
Justyne Caruana started between the goal posts at the other end, also protected by a back-three in Kirstie Vella, captain Annabelle Rapa and Fatma Al Girbi. Rabab Mhalli and Cristina Hili continued occupying the widths, while Nilayza Attard, Thais Muscat and Chaimaa Tourki started in the middle of the park. Andjela Kricak supported Reham Mellah in attack.
San Gwann Nudge In Front
The two teams appeared confident in their start, searching to exploit spaces and keen to win the midfield battle. However, the final ball appeared to elude the two, with the defenders keeping things tidy at the back.
First opportunities went to Anna Aloisio who tried to dink a ball over Justyne Caruana from the edge of the box, while Rabab Mhalli teased a ball aimed for Reham Mellah but Andressa de Souza Ramos did just enough to thwart the attack.
The game was interrupted in the 11th minute due to lighting issues, with play resuming in the eight minutes later. Although Valletta’s Anna Aloisio struck from the edge of the box on the restart, it was San Gwann who capitalised to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Chaimaa Tourki released compatriot Rabab Mhalli into space on the left wing. Mhalli glided forward before placing low into the right corner to get San Gwann into the lead.
Valletta took some time get their bearings following conceding, but started churning some better possession following the half-hour mark. Despite this, Justyne Caruana was equal to strikes by Anna Aloisio and Francesca Bartolo, while Kirstie Vella made a crucial interception to deny Laura Muscat a tap-in toward the 40th minute.
The Yellows picked their spots to try to extend their lead and appeared on course to do so as the half drew to a close. However, Eduarda Martins Souza shut the door as Chaimaa Tourki attempted to release Andjela Kricak, while the team could not trouble from a corner.
Half-Time Score: Valletta 0 – 1 San Gwann
Spot Kick Flips Momentum
There were slight tweaks from the two coaches over the break. San Gwann’s Thais Muscat started to occupy a higher position, while rotations ensued for Valletta’s Sarah Vella Barberi, Ylenia Grech and Miriana Conti in search of breaking down San Gwann’s defence.
Valletta appeared on course for the leveller as Laura Muscat headed a corner delivery from Francesca Bartolo toward the far corner, only to see it skim over the cross bar.
San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri opted to make his change in the 57th minute, bringing on Shania Gheiti in replacement of Nilayza Attard. Gheiti partnered Reham Mellah in attack, with Andjela Kricak dropping into midfield.
City’s Eduarda Martins Souza tested Justyne Caruana from a free-kick just outside the box, but San Gwann’s goalkeeper was equal to it, although could not hold it in her grasp. Still, the Yellows saw out the threat from the resulting corner.
Jean Lopes made a double switch, bringing on Lisa Vella and Megan La Rosa to slot in defence, while Ylenia Grech and Miriana Conti gave way. The introductions resulted in Eduarda Martins Souza pushing into midfield, while Michela Bonello Ghio became the left wing-back.
San Gwann developed a major opportunity to double their lead into the 67th minute as Reham Mellah wriggled free from the defence. She fired from inside the box, but the shot was at a comfortable height for Andressa de Souza Ramos.
Instead, it was Valletta who got the next big opportunity as the referee pointed to the spot following a coming together between Monique Sultana and Rabab Mhalli. San Gwann protested but the referee was unmoving. Eduarda Martins Souza buried it into the bottom right side of the net to get her team on level terms in the 71st minute.
The goal injected energy into the match once more with chances developing at both ends. Sabrin Blihi made a crucial interception to deny Reham Mellah a chance to convert a cross, before Justyne Caruana stuck a leg out to deny Laura Muscat from close range.
Corners ensued for both teams with neither able to convert, before the referee brandished a yellow card for personnel on Valletta’s bench as tensions rose.
The group leaders completed the comeback in the 84th minute as Laura Muscat rebounded an effort from close range, after Anna Aloisio’s initial effort was saved. The side attempted to go into game management mode, while San Gwann looked to pile more bodies forward in search of gaining a point from the match. However, City did just enough to ensure the victory.
Final Score: Valletta 2 – 1 San Gwann
Standings & Next Matches
Valletta take their points tally to 36 with three matches to go, while San Gwann will feel hard done by to stay on 19 points in second-place of the bottom-four group. The two teams will begin the final round on Saturday 9th March at Dingli Ground. Mtarfa will host San Gwann at 14:00, which will be followed by the match between Valletta and Lija Athletic (16:30).
Today presents a double-header at Mgarr Ground from the top-four section as anticipation builds toward the finalisation of the league. Birkirkara will meet Hibernians at 14:00, followed by Swieqi United against Mgarr United (16:30).
