Mġarr United and Birkirkara are set to go head-to-head tomorrow in the Assikura Women’s Knockout final at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off at 14:00hrs), with both sides targeting silverware for very different reasons. The match will be broadcast live on TVMSport+.
Mġarr head into the final as strong favourites, following what has been a historic and dominant campaign. The Greens secured their first-ever Assikura Women’s League title without suffering a single defeat and also lifted the Jubilee Cup, putting them in contention to complete a remarkable treble. Victory today would not only crown an outstanding season but also see them successfully defend the Knockout trophy they claimed last year.
Photo courtesy of Malta FA
Captain Abigail Camilleri stated that the team is approaching the final with a mix of excitement and focus.
“Games like this don’t come around often, so there’s definitely a sense of how important it is. At the same time, we’re trying to treat it like any other match and stay grounded in what’s worked for us all season. The team has been preparing well, and everyone is fully committed. There’s a strong sense of unity in the squad right now—everyone knows their role and is ready to give everything for each other. We know we’re coming up against a young, strong, and very disciplined team, so we’re expecting a tough game. We’re excited to get out there, knowing it’s a big occasion, but that’s exactly what we’ve been working for. We feel ready, we trust each other, and we can’t wait to give it everything on the pitch.”
Birkirkara, meanwhile, head into the final with strong motivation, determined to avoid consecutive seasons without silverware—an unusual situation for one of the competition’s most successful clubs, who still hold the record with 17 Knockout titles.
Their recent form suggests they are hitting stride at the right time. The Stripes are unbeaten in seven matches since February, including a 1-1 draw against Mġarr, and will be looking to carry that momentum into the final. Captain Gabriella Zahra underlined the squad’s readiness for the challenge:
“The team is focused and prepared for the challenge. We understand the significance of this stage and the players are ready to give everything on the pitch. We are working hard, staying grounded and preparing to give our all.”
Mġarr’s journey to this stage has been particularly impressive. They delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Hibernians in the semi-finals, having already overcome San Ġwann in the previous round—highlighting their attacking strength throughout the competition.
Under the guidance of Ryan Vella, Mġarr have been exceptional all season, recording 17 wins and three draws from 20 league fixtures. They have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 71 times while conceding just eight.
On an individual level, Valeria Villegas finished as the team’s leading scorer in the league with 16 goals, although she missed the semi-final. In her absence, Josline N’Guessan rose to the occasion with a brace, bringing her tally to 10 league goals, matching that of Argentina’s Maria Hernandez. Malta international Yulya Crella has also played a key role, contributing nine goals.
For Birkirkara, much of their attacking threat has come through Japanese forward Momo Ueda, who has netted 15 goals this season. The Stripes booked their place in the final by eliminating reigning league champions Swieqi United in round 1, before producing an emphatic 5-0 win over Valletta in the semi-finals.
Both sides will have to contend with important absences in defence. Mġarr will be without Rebecca Bajada and Amber Grech, while Birkirkara are missing captain Stephania Farrugia, with all three players sidelined due to ACL injuries—an issue that continues to be increasingly prevalent in the women’s game, including at local level.
Looking at the head-to-head record, Mġarr have held the upper hand this season, winning three of their four league encounters, while the most recent meeting between the two sides ended in a draw.
This year’s edition introduces an added incentive, as prize money will be awarded to the finalists for the first time, marking another step forward in the continued development and recognition of women’s football in Malta.