Unlucky Women's Team eliminated from Knock-out

by Ayrton Galea - 12th May 2015

Birkirkara FC Women's Team were eliminated from the Semi-Final of the Women's Knockout, after they conceded a stoppage time equaliser. Hibernians made it to the final after the penalty shoot-out with a 5-4 score.

In a top level match, and one of the most entertaining games throughout this season in Women's football, The Stripes left the Centenary Stadium blaming their luck for not booking their place in the final. Birkirkara managed to come from behind to lead with a 2-1 score, but they conceded a late goal, before the penalty shoot-out awarded Hibernians a place in the final.

Birkirkara played their hearts out, despite having a host of key players missing, namely Alishia Sultana, Kim Parnis and Rebecca Chircop. Maryrose Cardona played the whole match although she was far from being in the best condition. The Stripes were a goal down at half-time, but two goals from Stephania Farrugia and Gabriella Zahra turned the match around fifteen minutes into the second half, before Shona Zammit drew level for the Paolites.

The Birkirkara supporters, led by the loud Birkirkara Ultras made a fantastic job supporting the players, armed to the teeth with banners and flags.

Coach Johann Scicluna was forced to make one change from the last league match against Hibernians, as Rebecca Chircop was ruled-out injured and she was replaced by Mariah Sciberras. The Birkirkara Coach opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Captain Stephania Farrugia played her 200th match with Birkirkara and she was presented with a personalized gear for this achievement.

The First Half

The Stripes started brightly, threatening twice in the opening ten minutes. After five minutes, Gabriella Zahra had a shot ending wide. Five minutes later, Zahra was in action once again by hitting over with a close-range shot, following excellent work by Martina Cilia on the left channel.

With the match in total equilibrium, both goalkeepers were rarely tested as the rear-guards were doing an outstanding job cancelling the forwards. For the Stripes, Stephania Farrugia and Yasmeen Vella, the two central-defenders were having an excellent match.

Hibernians, having the wind blowing strong in their favour, were dictating matters and on the twenty-sixth minute, Ylenia Carabott served Martina Borg who had her shot parried by goalkeeper Janice Xuereb. Ten minutes later, Carabott served Shona Zammit but the latter's strike ended wide.

The Paolites broke the deadlock five minutes from half-time. One of the most active midfielders, Shona Zammit penetrated the Birkirkara defence with a fine through-ball in the path of Carabott, who from inside the box, hit hard past goalkeeper Xuereb.

The end of the first half found the Stripes chasing the match.

The Second Half

Coach Johann Scicluna's tactical change quickly left an impact as the Stripes drew level five minutes into the second half. Following a fine build-up, the referee adjudicated a hands-ball inside the box and ordered a penalty-kick. From the spot, Birkirkara's Captain Stephania Farrugia made no mistake.

On the fifty-third minute, Borg served Dorianne Theuma who had her shot ending wide for Hibernians.

The Stripes turned the score in their favour in their next attack just past the hour-mark. The speed of Giusti was key, as she penetrated on the right side before cutting into the box and served Kelly Agius Pace. The latter had her shot from inside the box blocked, but from the rebound Gabriella Zahra hit an in-swinging strike that surprised the Hibernians goalkeeper.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Dorianne Theuma had a free-kick for Hibernians ending over.

Five minutes from time, Coach Johann Scicluna affected the first substitution as he withdrew Raina Giusti and inserted Charlene Schembri. Schembri replaced Raina in the forward line as he sought for a fresh pair of legs up-front.

Hibernians were rewarded for their efforts one minute on added time as following a ball delivered from the right side, Shona Zammit sped forward to hit home from close-range past Xuereb to force the extra-time period.

The Extra Time

With so much at stake, both teams opted for caution, and concentrated more on not conceding a goal rather than trying to score. Tara Attard replaced Maryrose Cardona just before the penalty shoot-out was about to start.

Penalty Shoot-Out

Melania Bajada (Birkirkara) – shot saved by goalkeeper Keoney Demicoli.
Charlene Zammit (Hibernians) – shot wide.

Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara) – shot wide.
Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians) – scored.

Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara) – scored.
Ylenia Carabott (Hibernians) – scored.

Tara Attard (Birkirkara) – scored.
Shona Zammit (Hibernians) – shot saved by goalkeeper Janice Xuereb.

Kelly Agius Pace (Birkirkara) – shot saved by goalkeeper Keoney Demicoli.
Martina Borg (Hibernians) – scored.

BIRKIRKARA: Janice Xuereb, Kirstie Vella, Yasmeen Vella, Stephania Farrugia, Mariah Sciberras, Gabriella Zahra, Melania Bajada, Martina Cilia, Maryrose Cardona (119' Tara Attard), Raina Giusti (85' Charlene Schembri), Kelly Agius Pace.

Scorers: 50' Stephania Farrugia, 60' Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara), 40' Ylenia Caraboot, 90+1' Shona Zammit (Hibernians).

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