Tenth women’s title for Birkirkara after Mġarr victory

Birkirkara women’s side clinched the 2021/2022 MFA Women’s League title after beating rivals Mġarr United 2-0 in this week’s Matchday 18. Led by Melania Bajada, the Stripes scored twice through Gabriella Zahra and Tracy Teuma to secure their tenth title in their history. As a result, Birkirkara will be representing Malta in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign after being granted the UEFA Licence on Wednesday.

For the important clash against Mġarr, Birkirkara’s coach Bajada was without the services of goalkeeper Janice Xuereb and defender Stephania Farrugia. Nonetheless, the Stripes could bank on their replacements who executed the tactical plan to perfection to clinch the three points. Veteran goalkeeper Tonina Dimech started between the sticks whereas midfielder Kim Parnis was a makeshift fullback.

Midfielder Gabriella Zahra opened the score from close-range while Tracy Teuma, Zahra’s partner in the central department, converted from the penalty spot as Birkirkara stretched their league unbeaten run to 66 games – three shy from the domestic record.

On the other hand, Mġarr’s coach Michael Mangion handed a debut to 2005-born Kayah Abela Sciberras as a right winger while league’s leading scorers Francesca Chircop (18 goals) and Brenda Borg (17) were deployed from the start.

The Greens will now have to roll their sleeves up to preserve at least their second place as Swieqi United are now within touching distance. 

The Oranges scored five past Kirkop United with Fernanda Peinado grabbing a hat-trick and Alexis Espitia scoring twice to lift themselves three points behind Mġarr. Both players are on six goals now having joined the club during the January transfer window. Billy Mock’s side have a game in hand and they still have to face Mġarr on May 3.

Kirkop’s only scorer in the game was Rodianne Zerafa who netted her seventh of the season.  

In the other game of the week, San Ġwann secured a historic victory in the senior women’s league after beating Mtarfa 2-0.  Yulya Carella, who plays for Malta U-19’s, broke the deadlock in the first half while Kylie Pantalleresco wrapped up San Ġwann’s win with a second in the closing stages of the game.