Birkirkara were crowned Women’s Beach Soccer Championship winners after edging Sliema 8-7 on penalties following a thrilling 5-5 draw after extra time at Pretty Bay, Birżebbuġa.

Sliema made a flying start, racing into a 3-0 lead by the end of the opening period thanks to goals from Lorna Cassar, Elisa Csik, and Carol Tatiana Salazar.

Birkirkara responded in impressive fashion during the second period, with Estefany Colmenarez netting a hat-trick to draw her side level at 3-3.

Vanessa Honorio Carneiro restored Sliema’s advantage to make it 4-3, but Shakira Bugeja once again brought Birkirkara back on level terms.

The final continued to provide plenty of excitement as Carol Tatiana Salazar completed her brace to put Sliema back in front. However, Birkirkara refused to give up, with Estefany Colmenarez scoring her fourth goal of the match to make it 5-5.

With neither side able to break the deadlock during extra time, the championship was decided by a penalty shootout. Birkirkara held their nerve by converting three penalties, while Sliema managed two, sealing an 8-7 triumph.

The celebrations got underway immediately after the final whistle, culminating with Malta Beach Soccer Association president Mauro Camilleri Darmanin presenting the championship trophy to Birkirkara captain Shakira Bugeja.