Karima Abdulai’s goal meant Stripes see 92-game record come to an end
SWIEQI UNITED 1-0 BIRKIRKARA
Karima Abdulai 90.
Birkirkara’s impressive 92-game unbeaten run in the national championship came to an end at the death after Swieqi United clinch three precious points in their direct encounter.
Ghana forward Karima Abdulai connected with a Dorianne Theuma freekick from inside the small area and beat Janice Xuereb, to the delight of the Swieqi clan.
This victory puts Swieqi joint-level with Hibernians at the top of the table with 17 points after the first round.
On the other hand, for the Stripes this was their first league defeat since 2018 which also cancels their perfect start to this 2023/2024 campaign.
Jose Borg’s side sit third with 15 points after six outings as they still have one game in hand which could potentially see them lift themselves into first place.
SWIEQI UNITED
P. Araujo; J. Dimech, D. Theuma, M. Sciberras, E. Xuereb, S. Abdulai, K. Abdulai, S. Zammit, Rafanny, T. Falzon, J. Schembri.
BIRKIRKARA
J. Xuereb; G. Zahra, A. Said, S. Farrugia, E. Garcia, A. Sultana, V. Mifsud, C. Zammit, M. Grosso, C. Rogers, V. Rapa.
Substitutes used: R. Giusti (65), A. Del Moral (76), F. Chircop (88).
Hibernians, Valletta launch second round
Meanwhile, the women’s league continues with the first action from the second round when Hibernians take on Valletta this Thursday.
The Paolites wrapped up their opening round commitments with a comfortable victory over Mtarfa over the last weekend.
Keith Gouder’s side have recorded five wins and one draw so far – their only defeat came at the hands of champions Birkirkara.
On the other hand, Valletta are at the back of their third win of the season after defeating San Ġwann 3-0.
Denis Guerra’s selection has picked nine points in the first round as they are making their debut in the women’s game.
Level with Hibernians in first place are Swieqi United, buoyed by their Birkirkara victory, who will be eyeing a winning start to the second round as they meet Mtarfa – the only team without a single point in this campaign.
The Owls’ have two of the best three scorers in the domestic league so far with Salamatu Abdulai (9 goals) and Karima Abdulai (8 goals).
Champions Birkirkara will be looking to bounce back to winning ways as they take on Lija Athletic.
Lija Athletic lost to Swieqi United in their last game from their round one commitments, last weekend.
Mġarr United, who trail leaders Swieqi United and Hibernians by three points, will face San Ġwann as they look to remain in contention with the top teams.
The Greens lost to Birkirkara in last weekend’s big match while San Ġwann fell to their fifth defeat at the hands of Valletta.
FIXTURES
THURSDAY
Valletta vs Hibernians – 20.15, Centenary Stadium.
FRIDAY
Mġarr United vs San Ġwann – 20.30, Mġarr Ground.
SATURDAY
Mtarfa vs Swieqi United – 13.00, Dingli Ground.
Lija Athletic vs Birkirkara – 15.30, Dingli Ground.
STANDINGS
Swieqi United, Hibernians 17; Birkirkara 16; Mġarr United 14; Valletta 9; San Ġwann, Lija Athletic 4, Mtarfa 0.
