Mġarr United have clinched their first-ever trophy in women’s football after defeating Hibernians 2-0 in the Assikura Women’s Knock-Out final on Thursday.
The Greens struck twice in the first half and managed the game confidently after the break to seal a historic victory.
This was Mġarr’s third win over Hibernians in six meetings this season, with the Paolites failing to record a single victory against the Greens. Moreover, this marks the third consecutive year that Hibernians have finished as runners-up in this competition.
Photos courtesy of Lara Schembri / Malta FA
It took Mġarr just six minutes to break the deadlock. Maria Hernandez rose highest to meet a Yanina Mendez corner, heading past the helpless Elizabeth Harrington.
Hibernians sought a swift reply, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Mġarr remained dangerous on the counterattack, using the pace of their forwards—especially Colombian striker Valeria Villegas—to exploit space.
Yulya Carella nearly doubled the lead when her powerful shot rattled the woodwork. Soon after, Alejandra Villegas—Valeria’s sister—also went close but failed to hit the target, as Mġarr’s transitions continued to cause problems for the Paolites.
Just before the interval, Mġarr struck again. Alejandra capitalized on a misplaced pass by Natalee Geren and teed up her sister Valeria, who made no mistake from inside the area.
The second half began with Hernandez testing Harrington from distance, but the Hibernians goalkeeper was equal to it.
Moments later, Hernandez was brought down by Harrington, earning Mġarr a penalty. Carella stepped up but saw her effort saved. Her rebound struck the crossbar, offering Hibernians a lifeline.
Past the hour mark, Alexis Espitia missed a golden opportunity to halve the deficit, failing to convert from close range. Minutes later, she tried again, but her effort wasn’t strong enough to trouble the Mġarr goalkeeper.
Carella had one last chance late on, her strike flashing just wide, but it mattered little as Mġarr United celebrated a deserved and historic triumph.
After the match, Malta FA General Secretary Dr. Maria Azzopardi and Andrew Grech, Managing Director of Assikura Insurance Brokers PLC, awarded medals to the winners Mġarr United, runners-up Hibernians, and the match officials. The presentation concluded with the handing over of the coveted trophy to Mġarr United captain, Abigail Camilleri.
