Mġarr United and Birkirkara go head-to-head today in the Assikura Women’s Knockout final at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off 14:00), with both sides chasing silverware for very different reasons. The match will be broadcast live on TVMSport+.
Mġarr United enter the final as clear favourites after a historic and dominant season. The Greens secured their first-ever league title in the Assikura Women’s League without losing a single match and also lifted the Jubilee Cup, putting them on the brink of a remarkable treble. Victory today would not only crown an outstanding campaign but also see them retain the Knockout trophy they won last year.
Captain Abigail Camilleri highlighted the team’s balance between excitement and focus ahead of the final, stressing the unity within the squad and their readiness for what they expect to be a tough encounter against a disciplined opponent.
Birkirkara, meanwhile, are highly motivated to avoid a second consecutive season without a trophy—an unusual scenario for one of Malta’s most decorated clubs, who hold a record 17 Knockout titles. Their recent form has been encouraging, going unbeaten in seven matches since February, including a draw against Mġarr, and they will be aiming to carry that momentum into today’s final. Captain Gabriella Zahra emphasised the squad’s focus and determination to rise to the occasion.
Mġarr’s route to the final has been particularly impressive. They produced a dominant 5–1 win over Hibernians in the semi-finals after eliminating San Ġwann in the previous round, underlining their attacking strength throughout the competition.
Guided by coach Ryan Vella, Mġarr have been exceptional all season, registering 17 wins and three draws from 20 league matches, scoring 71 goals and conceding just eight.
Individually, Valeria Villegas finished as the team’s top scorer with 16 league goals, although she missed the semi-final. In her absence, Josline N’Guessan stepped up with a brace, taking her tally to 10, level with Maria Hernandez. Yulya Crella has also played a key role, contributing nine goals this season.
For Birkirkara, much of the attacking responsibility has fallen on Momo Ueda, who has scored 15 goals. The Stripes reached the final by eliminating Swieqi United before thrashing Valletta 5–0 in the semi-finals.
Both teams will have to cope with key defensive absences. Mġarr are without Rebecca Bajada and Amber Grech, while Birkirkara will miss captain Stephania Farrugia, all sidelined with ACL injuries—an issue increasingly affecting the women’s game locally and internationally.
Head-to-head, Mġarr have had the upper hand this season, winning three of their four league meetings, although the most recent clash ended in a draw.
This year’s final also carries added significance, with prize money being awarded to the finalists for the first time—another positive step in the continued growth and recognition of women’s football in Malta.
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