League champions Swieqi, holders Birkirkara knocked out from women’s cup

Newly-crowned league champions Swieqi United saw their domestic treble hopes come to an abrupt end after being eliminated from the Women’s Knock-Out by Hibernians in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

The Paolites edged past Swieqi 4-3 on penalties following a goalless stalemate after regular time and extra time, booking their spot in the semi-finals.

They were captained by Martina Borg, a day after announcing her retirement from football at the end of the 2024/2025 season.

Hibernians will now face San Ġwann, who cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Valletta. Goals from Nanako Kobayashi, Hailey Russell, and Naila Addo secured San Ġwann’s progression.

This match marked Sultana’s final career game, having featured for almost 300 domestic matches across her spells at Raiders Luxol, Raiders Għargħur, Raiders Lija and Valletta.

In another upset, defending champions Birkirkara were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Mġarr United. The Stripes had taken the lead through Luana Cabral – a former Mġarr player – but a stunning hat-trick from Valeria Villegas saw Mġarr come from behind to win 3-1. This result means Birkirkara will finish the season without any silverware, just a year after sweeping all domestic trophies.

Mġarr will now face Lija Athletic in the semi-finals, after Lija claimed a 4-2 victory over Mtarfa. Lisa Calleja, Estefany Gonzalez, and a brace from Leanne Micallef were on target for Lija, while Mtarfa replied through Kerrie Ciappara and Laura Tobon.

RESULTS

QUARTER-FINALS

HIBERNIANS 0-0 SWIEQI UNITED
(Hibernians won 4-3 on penalties)

BIRKIRKARA 1-3 MĠARR UNITED
Luana Cabral 61 (B); Valeria Villegas 78, 86, 90 (M)

SAN ĠWANN 3-0 VALLETTA
Nanako Kobayashi 24, Hailey Russell 36, Naila Addo 47

LIJA ATHLETIC 4-2 MTARFA
Lisa Calleja 17, Estefany Gonzalez 56, Leanne Micallef 64, 75 (L); Kerrie Ciapapra 22, Laura Tobon 86 (M)

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SEMI-FINALS (April 26)
Hibernians vs San Ġwann
Mġarr United vs Lija Athletic

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FINAL (May 1).