St George’s secured the national women’s beach soccer championship title after defeating Swieqi United 4-3 in a dramatic final decided by a penalty shootout.
The match was a tightly contested tactical affair, with both defences taking centre stage and few clear opportunities for the forwards to shine. After a goalless first half, Swieqi took the lead through Michela Felice, who capitalised on a defensive error to slot past goalkeeper Filothey Fey.
Just as Swieqi looked set to claim victory, St George’s were awarded a free kick, which was expertly converted by Edera Marmara to level the score.
With no goals scored during the three-minute extra time period, the match was decided by penalties. St George’s held their nerve, with Kirsty Paris, Shakira Bugeja, and Cherise Zammit all finding the net. Despite misses from Marmara and Jeanelle Falzon, their side prevailed.
Swieqi’s Samantha Zarb and Amy Abdilla scored their spot-kicks, but Krista Montfort, Mari Oliveira, and Michela Felice were all denied, handing the victory to St George’s.
At the end of the match, Malta Beach Soccer Association president Mauro Camilleri Darmanin presented the trophy to St George’s captain Shakira Bugeja.
