The Assikura Women’s League got underway with an exhilarating start as champions Birkirkara, alongside Mgarr United and Hibernians, clinched wins in their respective opening games.
Birkirkara 11-0 San Gwann
The Stripes began their title defense in impressive fashion by thrashing San Ġwann with a total of 11 goals.
Newcomer Luana Cabral, who recently joined from Mġarr United, made her debut for the team and scored a hat-trick. Francesca Chircop, also a former player of the Greens, contributed three goals as well.
Alishia Cassar scored twice, while the remaining goals came from Yuna Hazekawa and Calista Schechinger, both new signings, and an own goal by Naomi Blundell.
Under the guidance of their new coach Vince Galea, Birkirkara had Maya Cachia guarding the goal. Cachia returned to the Stripes this summer after playing three seasons in Italy.
On the other hand, San Ġwann also fielded their new signings, including former Birkirkara player Hailey Russell from the United States.
Hibernians 2-0 Swieqi United
In the curtain-raiser of the Assikura Women’s League, Hibernians made a strong statement by defeating last season’s runners-up, Swieqi United, on Thursday night.
The match took place at the Centenary Stadium, where Hibernians claimed the first three points of the season.
Coach Kenneth Costantino led the Paolites, with three newcomers making their club debut. These included goalkeeper Elizabeth Harrington, defender Jessica Dimech (formerly of Swieqi United), and playmaker Joelma, who joined from Mġarr United.
Meanwhile, Swieqi had their former captain Dorianne Theuma guiding them in her inaugural full season as a coach for the senior team.
Sarah Urpani, who previously played for Hibernians in the past two seasons, made her debut for Swieqi.
Hibernians secured their victory in the early stages of the second half, with captain Martina Borg scoring a beautiful curling goal against Patricia Araujo, followed by Natalee Geren heading in Chloe Ellul’s freekick from close range.
Mġarr United 14-0 Mtarfa
Mġarr United comfortably defeated Mtarfa, with Yulya Carella netting five goals.
The signing from last year scored a hat-trick in the first 45 minutes and added two more after halftime.
Captain Brenda Borg also contributed to the scoreline with three goals between the 13th and 33rd minute.
New summer signings Alejandra Villegas made an impressive club debut by scoring two goals, while Maia Debono, Rebecca Bajada, and Amber Grech also found the back of the net.
The Greens introduced Valeria, Alejandra’s sister, as a new addition to their team, alongside Argentine player Yanina Mendez.
Mtarfa also had some fresh faces on their side, including their newest member, Saleisha Ghigo.
Valletta 1-1 Lija Athletic
In another match, Valletta managed to secure a draw against Lija Athletic thanks to a last-minute goal. It was their first game of the season.
Lija Athletic, under the guidance of coach Jethron Azzopardi, took the lead with a goal from Edera Marmara.
However, Valletta was able to salvage a point with a late goal from Brazilian player Eduarda Souza.
Both teams had new players in their ranks, with Sarah Fenech and Kim Fava making their debut for Valletta, and Samira Bouzid playing her first match for Lija.
