Swieqi United Seize Top Spot with Late Rafanny Penalty

Swieqi United are the new leaders of the Women’s League after a dramatic late penalty from Venezuela international Rafanny secured a crucial 1-0 victory over title rivals Hibernians.

The Owls now sit at the summit with 38 points, just one ahead of the Paolites, as the league enters its decisive phase with six matchdays remaining. The two teams are set to clash again in the coming weeks, ensuring an electrifying finish to the season.

Swieqi Edge Hibernians in Title Battle

In a fiercely contested encounter, both sides created chances but were unable to break the deadlock until the dying minutes. Dorianne Theuma’s Swieqi found the breakthrough in the 87th minute when Rafanny stepped up to convert a penalty, sealing a vital three points for her team.

The Owls had new signing Ylenia Azzopardi, formerly of Birkirkara and Lija Athletic, named on the bench, but it was their established stars who delivered in a high-stakes contest.

Match Details:

• Swieqi United 1-0 Hibernians
  • Scorer: Rafanny (87’ pen)
  • Referee: Danilo Francalanza

Swieqi United Line-up:

P. Araujo; E. Micallef (46’ J. Flask), S. Urpani, E. Xuereb, S. Abdulai, K. Abdulai, S. Zammit, Rafanny, J. Schembri, T. Falzon, M. Cachia. Coach: Dorianne Theuma

Hibernians Line-up:

E. Harrington; N. Geren, J. Dimech, K. Chetcuti, M. Borg (79’ Joelma), G. Mifsud, L. Ayres (72’ C. Ellul), N. Sciberras, I. Farrugia, A. Espitia, S. Vella Barberi (84’ A. Busuttil). Coach: Kenneth Costantino

Mgarr Close in on Hibernians with Thrilling Win Over Birkirkara

Mgarr United capitalized on Hibernians’ defeat by edging out Birkirkara 3-2 in a thrilling contest. The Greens are now just two points behind second-placed Hibernians, keeping their title hopes alive.

Despite an early setback, with captain Brenda Borg forced off injured, Mgarr took the lead in the 14th minute through Veronique Mifsud. Birkirkara responded with an equalizer from Erica Bispo in the 33rd minute, but Mgarr struck back three minutes later through Rebecca Bajada. Valeria Villegas added another just before halftime to give Mgarr a commanding 3-1 lead at the break.

Birkirkara fought back in the second half, with Mariah Cardona reducing the deficit in the 56th minute, but they could not find a late equalizer, leaving the defending champions in fourth place, six points adrift of leaders Swieqi.

Match Details:

• Birkirkara 2-3 Mgarr United
  • Scorers: Erica Bispo (33’), Mariah Cardona (56’) – Birkirkara | Veronique Mifsud (14’), Rebecca Bajada (36’), Valeria Villegas (45’) – Mgarr
  • Referee: Stefan Minic

Birkirkara Line-up:

E. Muscat; G. Zahra (63’ A. Vassallo), L. May Azzopardi (82’ M. Gauci), L. Cabral (82’ S. Francalanza), A. Cassar, V. Rapa, C. Zammit, C. Schechinger, V. Nanez, M. Cardona, E. Bispo. Coach: Vince Galea

Mgarr United Line-up:

P. Ebejer; A. Camilleri, A. Villegas, V. Mifsud (65’ A. Said), L. Cefai, V. Villegas, Y. Mendez (92’ E. Xuereb), L. Hernandez, R. Bajada, B. Borg (12’ Y. Carella), A. Grech. Coach: Ryan Vella

Bottom Four Results

In the Bottom Four section, San Ġwann continued their strong run with a 2-1 victory over Valletta, thanks to goals from Tourki Chaimaa and Hailey Russell. Valletta’s lone goal came from Sabrin Blihi, but it was not enough to salvage a point.

Meanwhile, Lija Athletic secured a 2-0 win over Mtarfa, with Estefany Gonzalez and Nell Zarb Cousin finding the net.

San Ġwann 2-1 Valletta

• Scorers: Tourki Chaimaa (5’), Hailey Russell (57’) – San Ġwann | Sabrin Blihi (63’) – Valletta
• Referee: Jo-Anna Vassallo

Lija Athletic 2-0 Mtarfa

• Scorers: Estefany Gonzalez (10’), Nell Zarb Cousin (57’)
• Referee: Carmel Vassallo

Looking Ahead

With six matchdays remaining, the Women’s League title race is heating up. Swieqi United have taken a slim lead, but Hibernians and Mgarr remain firmly in contention. The upcoming direct clashes between the top teams will likely determine the fate of the championship. Meanwhile, in the Bottom Four, San Ġwann continue their bid to avoid relegation with another crucial win.

Stay tuned for more action as the league enters its decisive phase.

Gerald Fenech

Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist