Defending champions Mġarr United, Hibernians and Birkirkara all opened their 2026/27 Assikura Women’s League campaigns with victories as all six teams took to the field in the opening round of fixtures.

Mġarr began their title defence with a 3-1 victory over Valletta, Hibernians defeated last season’s runners-up Swieqi United 2-1, while Birkirkara secured a 3-1 win against San Ġwann.

Kabene scores twice as Mġarr defeat Valletta

Mġarr United began their title defence with a 3-1 victory over Valletta, with Ugandan international Sylvia Kabene marking her competitive debut for the Greens with two goals.

Kabene opened the scoring in the 31st minute to give Ryan Vella’s side a 1-0 lead at the interval.

Valletta responded ten minutes into the second half when former Swieqi United forward Salamatu Abdulai equalised.

However, the champions regained the advantage just six minutes later through Veronique Mifsud, before Kabene completed her brace in the 84th minute to secure all three points.

The encounter also marked the return to competitive action of Ann-Marie Said, who played the full 90 minutes for Mġarr following her recovery from injury.

Valletta, under the guidance of former Italian Serie A Women coach Salvatore Mango, handed a competitive debut to Malta national team captain Emma Lipman.

Goalkeeper Janice Xuereb also returned to competitive football following the birth of her child, while experienced forward Ylenia Carabott came out of retirement to make her return to the domestic game.

Despite Valletta’s efforts, Mġarr secured the victory to make a positive start to their pursuit of another league title.

Mġarr United 3 (Sylvia Kabene 31, 84; Veronique Mifsud 61)

Valletta 1 (Salamatu Abdulai 55)

Hibernians overcome Swieqi United

Hibernians secured an important opening-day victory after defeating last season’s runners-up Swieqi United 2-1.

The Paolites took the lead in the 15th minute through new signing Jessica Emmerton, who marked her league debut with a goal.

Hibernians doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Nyorah Celeste found the net to put Martina Borg’s side in a commanding position.

Swieqi responded six minutes later through Nigerian debutant Kenya Blessing, who had been introduced at half-time.

The goal gave Dorianne Theuma’s side renewed hope of salvaging a result, but Hibernians held on to secure all three points.

The victory provided Hibernians with a positive start to the new campaign, while Swieqi will be looking to recover from their opening defeat in their next league encounter.

Swieqi United 1 (Kenya Blessing 66)

Hibernians 2 (Jessica Emmerton 15, Nyorah Celeste 60)

Zerafa double inspires Birkirkara victory

Birkirkara made a flying start to their league campaign as they defeated San Ġwann 3-1 in Michael Mangion’s first league match as head coach.

New signing Rodianne Zerafa enjoyed an impressive debut for the Stripes, scoring twice inside the opening four minutes.

Zerafa opened the scoring after just two minutes before doubling Birkirkara’s advantage in the fourth minute.

Gabriella Zahra added a third goal in the 19th minute as Birkirkara established a commanding lead during the opening stages.

San Ġwann reduced the deficit six minutes into the second half when Fatma Al-Girbi converted a penalty.

However, Birkirkara maintained their two-goal advantage for the remainder of the encounter to secure a winning start under Mangion.

The victory leaves the Stripes level on three points with Mġarr United and Hibernians following the opening round of fixtures.

Birkirkara 3 (Rodianne Zerafa 2, 4; Gabriella Zahra 19)

San Ġwann 1 (Fatma Al-Girbi 51 pen)