Swieqi United and Hibernians will be contending the Assikura Women’s Knock-Out final when they rub shoulders this Friday at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 8pm).
The two teams secured their final berths following Sunday’s victories in the semi-finals, with Swieqi eliminating Raiders Lija and Hibernians dispatching of San Ġwann.
The Owls scored a goal in each half – in the first minute and three minutes from full-time, to overcome a resilient Raiders side that staged a gutsy performance against the tournament’s favourites.
Ghana forward Salamatu Abdulai broke the deadlock in the opening seconds of the game, putting Swieqi in the driving seat.
Yet, Denis Guerra’s side remained well and alive in the game but could not muster any potential goal scoring opportunities to try and peg back the game.
Swieqi made sure of their spot in the final when Shona Zammit headed home a Dorianne Theuma’s cross on the 87th minute as they return to the final for a second straight season.
Hibernians, on their part, broke little sweat to beat San Ġwann as they secured a rampant 6-0 win.
The Paolites opened a four-goal lead in the first half with goals from Chloe Ellul, Alexis Espitia, Nyorah Celeste and Kayleigh Chetcuti.
Keith Gouder’s side added two more after the break through a Sarah Urpani’s brace.
Swieqi are chasing their first major silverware in the women’s game while Hibernians have lifted this trophy on five occasions, the last triumph being in the 2015/2016 season.
Report: Gianluca Lia
