Mġarr face Hibernians as Women’s League enters second matchday

mgarr-hibs-2-1024x682 Mġarr face Hibernians as Women's League enters second matchday

Screenshot-2026-04-04-205226-1024x168 Mġarr face Hibernians as Women's League enters second matchday

Defending champions Mġarr United face an early test of their title credentials when they take on Hibernians in the second round of the Assikura Women’s League on Saturday, with both teams looking to maintain their winning starts to the season.

Birkirkara, who also opened their campaign with a victory, face Valletta in Thursday’s encounter at the Centenary Stadium, while San Ġwann and Swieqi United meet on Saturday in search of their first points.

Mġarr began their title defence with a convincing 3-1 victory over Valletta, with debutant Sylvia Kabene scoring twice and Veronique Mifsud adding the third goal.

The reigning champions are looking to build on an outstanding 2025/26 campaign during which they remained unbeaten in the league and completed a domestic treble by winning the championship, Knock-Out and Jubilee Cup.

However, they face an interesting challenge against Hibernians, who made an impressive start by defeating last season’s runners-up Swieqi United 2-1.

Jessica Emmerton opened the scoring for the Paolites before Nyorah Celeste doubled their advantage. Although Kenya Blessing reduced the deficit for Swieqi in the 66th minute, Hibernians held on to secure all three points.

Saturday’s encounter at the Dingli Ground will therefore provide an early indication of both teams’ ambitions this season.

Meanwhile, Birkirkara will be seeking their second consecutive victory when they face Valletta on Thursday evening.

The Stripes enjoyed an excellent opening to their campaign, defeating San Ġwann 3-1 after establishing a three-goal advantage inside the opening 19 minutes.

New signing Rodianne Zerafa marked her debut with two goals, while Gabriella Zahra also found the net. San Ġwann’s consolation came through a second-half penalty converted by Fatma Al-Girbi.

The result marked a successful competitive debut for new Birkirkara coach Michael Mangion, who has overseen significant changes to the squad while retaining experienced players such as Stephania Farrugia and Zahra.

Valletta, meanwhile, will be determined to recover from their opening defeat against Mġarr.

Under former Serie A Women’s coach Salvatore Mango, the Citizens have strengthened their squad with several experienced players, including Malta captain Emma Lipman and returning forward Ylenia Carabott.

Former Swieqi striker Salamatu Abdulai scored Valletta’s goal against Mġarr, and the Citizens will be hoping to produce a stronger performance against another established title contender.

The remaining fixture brings together San Ġwann and Swieqi United, with both sides seeking to recover from opening-day defeats.

San Ġwann will be encouraged by aspects of their second-half performance against Birkirkara, while Swieqi will be looking to improve on their narrow defeat against Hibernians.

Both clubs will regard Saturday’s encounter as an opportunity to register their first points and gain momentum in the early stages of the championship.