Champions Birkirkara to wrap up women’s league against Swieqi United

The final act of the 2021/2022 MFA Women’s League season will champions Birkirkara wrap up their winning campaign face second-place Swieqi United. Mġarr United, currently sitting third, will cross swords with San Ġwann while Raiders Lija and Kirkop United will take on each other in the other game.

Wednesday’s early kick-off for Birkirkara and Swieqi United will allow time for the official presentation after the game as the Stripes will be presented the league’s trophy for the 10th time in their history.

Despite having already made sure of the title, Birkirkara will be looking to extend their league unbeaten run to 68 matches – just one game away from the domestic record set by Hibernians.

After completing the women’s league, Melania Bajada’s side will then turn their focus on the Knock-Out competition where a quarter-final tie against rivals Mġarr United awaits them.

A success in the domestic cup would add more to the remarkable year the Stripes are having after topping all U-16’s, U-20’s and seniors championships. They are also one of the finalists of the U-20’s cup where they will face Raiders Lija whom they beat in last Sunday’s title decider.

The Knock-Out competition is also a target for Birkirkara’s opponents on Tuesday, Swieqi. The Owls have made amends for their shaky start to the season, beating Mġarr last week to move into second place at the expense of the Greens.

The winter signings, mainly Fernanda Peinado and Alexis Espitia, have integrated quickly and contributed with 16 goals in total already. Brazilian forward Peinado scored a hat-trick in last week’s 3-0 win against Mġarr.

Led by coach Billy Mock, finishing second in the league would inject more boost ahead of next season before they set their sights on the domestic cup where they will face San Ġwann in the quarter-finals.

Mġarr have had a brilliant start to the season and were considered as the anti-Birkirkara for the title, but injuries and a string of negative results have seen them slump into third with 34 points.

Nonetheless, Mġarr coach Michael Mangion – in his debut year at the club – has been a valuable addition to the league with his leadership and commitment to the women’s game.

The Greens have 34 points after 11 wins and one draw in 17 games. Attacking players Francesca Chircop and Brenda Borg are topping the league’s scoring charts with 18 and 17 goals respectively.

Elsewhere, fourth-place Raiders Lija will meet Kirkop United, who sit behind them at fifth. Denis Guerra’s Raiders Lija have 28 points after a strong season which saw them gain points in big matches against Swieqi and Mġarr.

On the other hand, Kirkop United have 21 points after 17 games and have beaten Raiders in their latest fixture.

An intruiging fixture that will put Kirkop’s clinical forward Rodianne Zerafa – 15 goals – against Raiders Lija’s prolific striker Leah Ayres – 11 goals.

THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES

TUESDAY – 20.30

Mġarr United vs San Ġwann, Mġarr Ground

Raiders Lija vs Kirkop United, Centenary Stadium

WEDNESDAY – 18.00

Birkirkara vs Swieqi United, Centenary Stadium.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina.