Swieqi United clinch Women’s Super Cup defeating Birkirkara

Swieqi United delivered a clinical performance to secure their first Super Cup victory, defeating Birkirkara in Sunday’s final. This win marks a historic achievement for the Owls, adding to their 2023 domestic cup triumph and giving coach Dorianne Theuma her first silverware as a senior team coach.

BIRKIRKARA        1

Bispo 65′

SWIEQI UNITED  2

Abdulai 12′

Zammit 45′

Birkirkara started strongly, dominating possession and building play methodically to exploit Swieqi’s defensive structure. Swieqi countered with swift transitions, relying on pace and direct passes to create chances. Their strategy paid off early when Salamatu Abdulai capitalized on a counter-attack, showcasing her speed to outpace Valentina Rapa before slotting past goalkeeper Maya Cachia.

The Stripes fight back

Birkirkara fought back with Gabriella Zahra curling a shot from outside the box, only to be denied by Swieqi goalkeeper Patricia Araujo. Yuna Hazekawa also had a chance to equalize but narrowly missed the target. Araujo continued to play a pivotal role, making key saves, including one from a dangerous Birkirkara corner. Zahra had a golden opportunity but sent her close-range effort over the bar.

Just before halftime, Swieqi doubled their lead. Captain Shona Zammit finished a brilliant team move, starting from the goalkeeper, with a composed strike from inside the six-yard box.

Super Cup provides thrills and spills

After the break, Birkirkara managed to reduce the deficit just after the hour mark through Bispo. Luana Cabral came close to equalizing soon after, her header narrowly missing the target. Swieqi responded with a long-range effort from Zammit, deflected into a corner by Cachia, who then denied Karima Abdulai with a crucial block seven minutes from time.

In stoppage time, Birkirkara’s Charlene Zammit was sent off for dangerous play, leaving her side down to 10 players and ensuring she will miss Friday’s league match against Hibernians due to suspension.

After the match, Shona Zammit was named the Assikura Women’s Super Cup best player, capping off a commanding performance in midfield.

BIRKIRKARA
M. Cachia; G. Zahra, Y. Hazekawa, L. Cabral (84 M. Gauci), A. Cassar, A. Vassallo (55 M. Fenech) (64 L. Azzopardi, C. Zammit, C. Schechinger (84 S. Francalanza), M. Cardona, V. Rapa, E. Bispo.

SWIEQI UNITED
P. Araujo; E. Micallef (90 S. Mallia), S. Urpani, E. Xuereb, S. Abdulai, K. Abdulai, S. Zammit, Rafanny, J. Schembri, T. Falzon, M. Cachia.

Referee Ranald Portelli.