Swieqi United and Birkirkara lived up to expectations, claiming convincing victories to secure their places in the Jubilee Cup semi-finals.
The Owls cruised to an 8-0 win over Valletta, while the Stripes recorded a commanding 9-1 victory against San Ġwann.
Under the guidance of coach Dorianne Theuma, Swieqi United advanced to the semi-finals, where they will take on league leaders Mġarr United, while Birkirkara will face Hibernians in the other last-four tie.
For Swieqi, Salamatu Abdulai stole the spotlight with a remarkable four-goal performance, while Sara Saliba netted twice to continue her fine form. Valentina Rapa and Aleksandra Yaneva also contributed a goal apiece, rounding off a dominant display for the Owls.
SWIEQI UNITED 8-0 VALLETTA
S. Saliba 3‘ 13‘; V. Rapa 6‘; S. Abdulai 29‘ 33‘ 43‘ 55‘; A. Yaneva 80‘.
Swieqi: C. Borg (46‘ P. Silva), T. Scicluna (46‘ S. Mallia), Rafanny, V. Rapa, S. Urpani (46‘ E. Micallef), S. Abdulai (67‘ K. Fava), A. Yaneva, S. Zammit, T. Falzon (46‘ Y. Azzopardi), M. Cachia, S. Saliba.
Coach: Dorianne Theuma
Valletta: I. Bacaicoa; L. Cassar, S. Caruana, E. Marmara, D. Ciantar (46‘ M. Belkis), N. Grixti, H. Fenech (46‘ L. Carabott), J. Camilleri (46‘ S. Muscat), H. Grima (55‘ A. Carbonaro), I. Sultana, S. Bugeja.
Coach: Anton Cremona
Referee: Luca Grech
Meanwhile, Birkirkara showcased their attacking prowess with a dominant performance against San Ġwann, cruising to a convincing 9-1 victory.
Japanese forward Momo Ueda and Mariah Cardona both bagged braces to lead the charge for the Stripes, while Amy Busuttil, Ylenia Grech, Haruhi Sekura, Maia Gauci, and Lara May Azzopardi also added their names to the scoresheet, highlighting the team’s depth in attack.
Despite the heavy defeat, San Ġwann found a consolation through Morena Fanega, who scored her side’s only goal of the match.
BIRKIRKARA 9-1 SAN ĠWANN
M. Cardona 3‘ 37‘; A. Busuttil 28‘; Y. Grech 29‘; H. Sekura 50‘; M. Ueda 80‘ 84‘; M. Gauci 85‘; L. Azzopardi 90+7′ (B); M. Fanega 90+11‘ (S).
Birkirkara: J. Xuereb; G. Zahra, S. Farrugia, A. Busuttil, Y. Grech (51‘ S. Anima), I. Camilleri (51‘ K. Axiak), H. Sekura (85‘ K. Sacco), M. Ueda, I. Stringer (46‘ M. Gauci), M. Cardona, E. Micallef (75‘ L. Azzopardi).
Coach: William Mock
San Ġwann: G. Muscat; A. Rapa, S. Blihi (46‘ N. Blundell), L. Vella (70‘ T. Muscat), R. Borg (89‘ E. Borg), O. Mhalli, M. Fanega, K. Vella, H. Russell, N. Addo (46‘ F. Al Girbi), R. Zerafa (80‘ N. Attard).
Coach: Julian Camilleri
Referee: Paula Buttigieg