Mġarr United produced a sensational late comeback to defeat Hibernians 3–2 and lift the Malta FA Women’s Jubilee Cup in a thrilling final at the National Stadium.
What seemed like a night destined for Hibernians’ triumph dramatically flipped in the final minutes, as Mġarr struck twice in rapid succession to overturn a 2–1 deficit and celebrate their second major title in the women’s game.
Villegas Opens the Scoring for Mġarr
Both teams lined up at full strength for this historic occasion. Hibernians relied on captain Nicole Sciberras and in-form Ugandan striker Sylivia Kabene, while Mġarr were led by Abigail Camilleri and top scorer Josline N’Guessan.
The Greens started with greater intent. Valeria Villegas twice threatened early—first denied by Maya Cachia and later by the Hibs goalkeeper—while sister Alejandra fired wide from distance.
Kabene registered Hibernians’ best early chance but failed to keep her effort down. The match tightened as the half progressed, yet Mġarr continued to look sharper in transition.
The breakthrough arrived on 39 minutes. Yulya Carella delivered an inventive overhead kick cross, and Valeria Villegas reacted fastest, beating both Cachia and Schechinger to steer the ball home.
Mġarr carried their 1–0 lead into the break.
Hibernians Turn the Match Around
A halftime substitution — Kayleigh Chetcuti replacing Ileana Farrugia — proved immediately influential.
Just three minutes after the restart, captain Nicole Sciberras levelled with a sublime lob over Patricia Ebejer, swinging momentum firmly towards the Paolites.
Hibernians pushed harder. Kabene missed a major chance when clean through, while Zulu headed wide. Mġarr responded through N’Guessan, but her shot was kept out by Maya Cachia.
The match hung in the balance as both sides exchanged half-chances, until Chetcuti produced a stunning long-range strike on 85 minutes to put Hibernians 2–1 in front. The Paolites looked moments away from lifting the cup.
Mġarr’s Stunning Late Turnaround
But Mġarr refused to crumble.
Barely a minute after falling behind, Alejandra Villegas drilled in a low shot to bring Mġarr level at 2–2, reigniting hope for Ryan Vella’s side.
Then came the decisive, heart-stopping moment in stoppage time. A flowing Mġarr move found Valeria Villegas inside the box, and the striker showed nerves of steel to slot a precise low finish past Cachia — her second goal of the afternoon, sealing a remarkable 3–2 victory.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as Mġarr celebrated a dramatic triumph, one that showcased their resilience, quality, and refusal to give up.
MATCH STATISTICS
Scoreline
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Hibernians 2–3 Mġarr United
Goals
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Hibernians:
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Sciberras 48’
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Chetcuti 85’
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Mġarr United:
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V. Villegas 39’, 90’
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A. Villegas 86’
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Hibernians Line-up
M. Cachia; N. Geren, C. Schechinger, A. Galea (90’ F. Bartolo), J. Dimech, C. Zulu, G. Mifsud, L. Ayres (62’ S. Vella Barberi), N. Sciberras, S. Kabene (86’ K. Chetcuti), I. Farrugia (46’ K. Chetcuti).
Mġarr United Line-up
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.
Referee
Jo-Anna Vassallo
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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