by Hibernians FC won their quarter-final against Mgarr United by 1-0 at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday. Kayleigh Chetcuti’s curled free-kick sent Hibs into the lead in the first half, which was capped by a solid defensive performance that shut out the Greens.
Battling the Currents
Michael Mangion fielded an unchanged first eleven from Mgarr United’s final fixture against Mtarfa FC in the league. Meanwhile, Hibs’ Keith Gouder was without the side’s top scorer Alexis Espitia and instead fielded Cristina Hili up top, supported by captain Martina Borg. A strong midfield consisting of Yolande Attard, Kayleigh Chetcuti, Nicole Sciberras, and Sarah Urpani, protected the unchanged defense and goalkeeper who faced Swieqi in their final league match.
The two sides disrupted each others’ rhythm early on, an effort that was aided by the windy conditions on the pitch. However, it was Mgarr’s midfield that settled into more consistent possession and better chances in the early stages. Kathryn Ellul and captain Brenda Borg each rebounded a strike from separate corners, but both were just off target with the shots. Rebecca Bajada launched a ball into the box, allowing Francesca Chircop to get something on it after Hibs’ defence failed to deal with the bounce, but Mgarr’s number ten also could not find the target.
Hibernians fought back in a clinical manner with Kayleigh Chetcuti drawing in the foul, in close proximity to the box. Hibs’ number seven curled the ball into the near top corner with precision and measured power when factoring in the windy conditions. Goalkeeper Patricia Ebejer shifted well but the power was enough to earn Hibs their goal, in what was a chance against the run of play of the previous few minutes.
The Greens tried to respond with Kathryn Ellul firing another strike from the edge of the box but unfortunately, the shot was blocked by an own teammate. Meanwhile, Rebecca Bajada threw herself forward flying through a number of challenges but a hopeful shot from distance did not trouble Raisa Costantino.
Half-Time Score: Mgarr United 0 – 1 Hibernians FC
Hibs Almost Find the Double
The Greens appeared to have started the half on the front foot as they did at the beginning of the match but faltered away and it was ultimately Hibs who had the better opportunity. Martina Borg almost capitalised on a sloppy clearance, but Ebejer hoofed the ball away just in time as Hibs’ number ten closed in on the six-yard box.
Michael Mangion made a tactical switch, bringing on Tourki Chaimaa in replacement of Kathyrn Ellul in the 62nd minute. Chaimaa slotted on the right wing, pushing Yulya Carella out on the left, while Amber Grech partnered Brenda Borg in midfield. The change appeared to breathe new creativity in attack, but the momentum was soon thwarted by smart movement from Martina Borg who recovered the ball in midfield and drew the foul.
Kayleigh Chetcuti took charge of the dead ball in a similar position and almost doubled her tally. However, this time Ebejer got a strong hand on the strike to deny her, and Hibs, from extending the lead. A few moments later Martina Borg had a chance to convert from the penalty box after a loose touch put the ball right into her path, but Maia Debono deflected the shot. Hibs’ captain was quick on the counter later on but Ebejer was smart to the play and cleared.
Fleeting Chances
Mgarr United fired themselves back into action and had a chance to equalise in the seventieth minute as Brenda Borg flashed the ball across the face of the goal, but substitute Tourki Chaimaa could not get the all-important touch sliding on the stretch. By this point, Hibs’ shored up their defence by shifting into a back three, with Nicole Sciberras slotting in between the two centre-backs.
With fifteen minutes to go, Mgarr United’s Carella picked out Kelly Agius Pace on the edge of the box who found space on the turn, but her shot was whiskers away, compounding the anguish for the Greens. Following this, Yulya Carella was also picked out twice by Brenda Borg, but Hibs’ trio in defence did enough to thwart the danger.
Hibs relished the full-time whistle which confirmed their spot in the semi-finals, while simultaneously dashing Mgarr United’s hopes of a comeback. The winners will next face San Gwann on Sunday. The yellows received a BYE into the semi-finals in the draw and after also yielding a walk-over in the last league game will hope that the fresher legs aid them in their battle against Gouder’s side. On the other hand, having overcome the challenge of Mgarr United will add an extra boost of confidence for Hibs as the side focuses on maintaining momentum and securing a spot in the final.
Photo: Chiara Faedo
