HIBERNIANS 3-0 BIRKIRKARA
Sciberras 65; Kabene 71, 90
Hibernians: M. Cachia; N. Geren, C. Schechinger (89 Y. Attard), A. Galea (83 S. Farrugia Sacco), J. Dimech, C. Zulu (83 N. Celeste), G. Mifsud, L. Ayres (46 S. Vella Barberi), N. Sciberras, S. Kabene, I. Farrugia (46 K. Chetcuti).
Birkirkara: J. Zarb; G. Zahra (46 A. Busuttil), L. Azzopardi (78 K. Axiak), S. Farrugia, Y. Grech (78 K. Sacco), S. Francalanza, H. Sekura, M. Ueda, I. Stringer (60 I. Camilleri), M. Cardona. S. Anima.
SWIEQI UNITED 1-1 MĠARR UNITED
Mġarr United won 3-1 on penalties.
Y. Carella 58 (M); S. Saliba 79 pen. (S).
Swieqi United: P. Araujo; T. Scicluna (65 S. Urpani), V. Rapa, S. Abdulai, A. Yaneva, S. Zammit, J. Schembri, T. Falzon, A. Kricak, M. Cachia, S. Saliba.
Mġarr United: P. Ebejer; A. Camilleri, A. Villegas, M. Debono, Y. Carella, L. Cefai, V. Villegas, Y. Mendez, R. Bajada, J. N’Guessan (70 B. Borg), A. Grech.
Hibernians and Mġarr United will contest this year’s special edition of the Women’s Jubilee Cup final on December 8.
The two teams secured their place in the showpiece over the weekend, eliminating Birkirkara and Swieqi United respectively.
Hibernians overcame Birkirkara 3-0, though they had to remain patient before breaking the deadlock past the hour mark.
Captain Nicole Sciberras struck first, paving the way for Sylivia Kabene, Uganda’s in-form forward, to seal the win with a late brace.
The Paolites have now reached their fourth domestic cup final in four consecutive seasons.
The second semi-final delivered far more drama as Mġarr United and Swieqi United battled all the way to a penalty shoot-out.
The Greens prevailed thanks to a standout performance from goalkeeper Patricia Ebejer, who produced three crucial saves.
Swieqi’s only scorer from the spot was Tammy Falzon, while Salamatu Abdulai, Shona Zammit, and Sara Saliba all missed.
The outcome was particularly ironic for Saliba, who had earlier equalised from the penalty spot during regular time after Yulya Carella had put Mġarr ahead.
In the shoot-out, Mġarr converted through Carella, Maia Debono, and Valeria Villegas.
Mġarr, the current league leaders with eight consecutive victories, continue to build on their impressive momentum. Last season, they clinched their first-ever women’s silverware by winning the Women’s Knock-Out competition.
FINAL
DECEMBER 8
Hibernians vs Mġarr United
Venue and time to be confirmed.
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Women’s league MD9 opens with crucial Hibernians, Swieqi clash
The Assikura Women’s League resumes this week with a crucial fixture between Hibernians and Swieqi United, which will open Matchday 9.
Both teams sit joint-second on 18 points, six behind leaders Mġarr United. With 12 matches still remaining – and 36 points left to play for – this encounter may not be decisive, but it could significantly influence which side emerges as the Greens’ main challenger in the title race.
Given Mġarr’s impressive momentum, however, victory is crucial for both Hibernians and Swieqi if they are to keep pressure on the league leaders.
Both sides approach this clash on the back of wins in their league campaigns.
Mġarr, meanwhile, face Birkirkara as they look to extend their perfect run and clinch a ninth consecutive win.
Fresh from securing their place in the Women’s Jubilee Cup final, the Greens are enjoying a remarkable first half of the season.
Birkirkara currently sit on nine points after eight league games.
In the weekend’s remaining fixture, San Ġwann and Valletta – both on one point – meet in a battle at the lower end of the standings.
NEXT FIXTURES
THURSDAY
Hibernians vs Swieqi United – 8.15pm, Centenary Stadium.
FRIDAY
San Ġwann vs Valletta – 8.30pm, Victor Tedesco Stadium (Ħamrun).
SATURDAY
Birkirkara vs Mġarr United – 6pm, Charles Abela Stadium (Mosta).
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