Champions Hibernians suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to group winners Raheny United of Ireland at the Stadionul Clujana in Cluj Napoca, Romania in their final match from Group 2 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying round on Thursday.
The Paolites managed to take the lead through Dionne Tonna on the 15th minute. Catherine Cronin levelled matters seven minutes from the end of the first half and Clare Shine notched the winner eleven minutes from time to ensure Raheny won the group with maximum points.
HIBS Keoney Demicoli, Claire Sciberras, Martina Borg (68′ Ruth Steer Chetham), Dorianne Theuma, Ylenia Carabott, Shona Zammit, Dionne Tonna (83′ Maria Azzopardi), Mandy Debono, Rosalie Cauchi, Charlene Zammit (51′ Francesca Chircop), Corissa Vella.
RAHENY Niamh Reid-Burke, Clare Shine, Shauna Newman (85′ Louise Kearney), Pearl Slattery, Rachel Graham, Katie McCabe, Siobhan Killeen, Sinead O’Farrelly, Laura Ryan (70′ Noelle Murray), Catherine Cronin, Danielle Sheehy (62′ Leeann Payne).
Referee: Tania Fernandes Morais (LUX)
Meanwhile Malta international striker Rachel Cuschieri enabled her new team Apollon Ladies FC win Group 6 after beating Gintra of Lithuania 3-1, a goalless draw with Vllaznia of Albania and another 3-1 win over KI of Iceland. Cuschieri scored one of the goals in the first game.