Swieqi United will be targeting to reach a second consecutive Assikura Women’s Knockout final when they cross swords with Hibernians in Friday’s semi-final.
The two teams will meet in a repeat of last year’s final when the Owls scored two goals through Rebecca Atinga and Dorianne Theuma to fend off the Paolites’ challenge and lift their first major silverware in the women’s game.
For Theuma, captain on the night, this was her maiden success donning the Swieqi colours against her old club.
This time around, Theuma, who is still wearing the captain’s armband but is also coaching the side, is hoping to emulate last season’s success as she will bid farewell to the sport at the end of the season.
The former Malta women’s captain, who has 117 caps and 26 goals – both are records, announced her retirement from the game with an emotional post on her social media, last Sunday.
Propelled by Ana Araujo’s four goals – her first at senior level, Swieqi eased past Mtarfa 12-0 in last weekend’s quarter-final tie.
Karima Abdulai scored a hat-trick while Salamatu Abdulai grabbed a brace while youngster Shannen Mallia made her club debut in this match as well.
The Owls are still without Emma Xuereb who is recovering from an injury picked up with the national team.
Hibernians, on their part, qualified at the expense of Mġarr United in a hard-fought match with the Paolites advancing thanks to a narrow 2-1 win.
Natalee Geren, who will stay at Hibs next season, and Leah Ayres scored the goals for Kenneth Costantino’s side.
Hibernians and Swieqi United defeated each other in this year’s championship as this semi-final can easily go the distance.
In the other semi-final tie, league champions Birkirkara start as favourites to secure a final spot when they face Bottom Four side Valletta.
The Stripes eliminated Lija Athletic in the quarter-finals with Sara Saliba scoring three of the club’s seven goals against their neighbours.
Jose Borg’s side are eyeing a domestic treble after having already won both the league and the Super Cup.
On the other hand, Valletta were the dominant team in the Bottom Four section of whom they are the sole representatives in the semi-finals.
Denis Guerra’s side eased past San Ġwann in the previous round with Laura Muscat taking the ball home after scoring three goals.
SEMI-FINALS
FRIDAY
Swieqi United vs Hibernians – 18.00, Centenary Stadium.
Valletta vs Birkirkara – 20.30, Centenary Stadium.
FINAL
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Swieqi United/Hibernians vs Valletta/Birkirkara – 18.00, Centenary Stadium.
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