The U-20’s women’s championship winner will be determined on Sunday when Raiders Lija and Birkirkara will meet in the title decider (kick-off: 11am).
A fitting season finale to what has been an incredible 2021/2022 campaign by both teams.
Raiders and Birkirkara sparked an exciting two-horse race which saw both teams end the regular season with 39 points.
On the last day of the season, Birkirkara needed just a point to wrap up the title but Dorianne Theuma’s side lost 3-1 to Swieqi United.
On the other hand, Raiders captalised on Birkirkara’s defeat to beat San Ġwann 4-0 and keep their title hopes alive.
Birkirkara and Raiders – led by coach Denis Guerra – produced the best offensive and defensive record in the league as well.
The Stripes scored 69 and conceded just 11 goals with Raiders conceding just a goal more while finding the net on 54 occasions.
In line with the Malta FA’s commitment of promoting and helping the women’s game to grow, the Centenary Stadium will be the venue for this decider.
The Centenary Stadium is home of the Malta women’s national teams where they play all their competitive games. Moreover, the Centenary also hosts the senior women’s league games in which some of these U-20’s players take part as well.
Maya Lucia, captain of Raiders Lija’s U-20’s side, is excited to see this title showdown take place at such an important venue.
“I am beyond excited!,” Lucia underlined.
“It’s my favourite pitch on the island as it carries so many beautiful memories of wins with the national team.
I can’t imagine a better place where to potentially win the first trophy with Raiders!
The Malta U-19’s player – who scored against the Northern Ireland in the recent European qualifications – is looking forward to play in front of an electric crowd on Sunday.
Lucia scored 11 goals in this season’s U-20’s campaign for Raiders Lija.
Raiders Lija and Birkirkara met on three occasions during the regulars season. The Stripes won the first two games 4-1 and 2-1.
Raiders, on their part, had clinched an 89th-minute victory in their third and final meeting which halted Birkirkara’s unbeaten run and blew the title race wide open.
Another player who has already played and scored on this field is Veronique Mifsud, leading scorer of the U-20’s league with 24 goals.
The Birkirkara midfielder was instrumental for her senior side, scoring two winning goals against Mġarr United and Swieqi respectively.
She has also scored twice in three games against Raiders Lija at U-20’s level.
“This is a step in the right direction for players who never had such an opportunity – to get a taste of what it feels like to play in a proper 11-aside field,” Mifsud explained.
“It is the accumulation of what both teams have been working for this past season.
It will be a very eventful game for the supporters and even more for us players as we are eagerly waiting for Sunday’s match at the Centenary Stadium.”
