Hibernians women’s team produced a solid showing in their international match up against FC Aarau of Switzerland at the Sirens Ground, on Saturday.
The Swiss side clinched victory in a thrilling 4-3 game with the Maltese side leading 3-2 until the final 10 minutes of the game.
It was a fundamental test for Hibernians as they measured themselves against a team that plies its trade in the Switzerland’s top-flight.
FC Aarau currently sit eighth with 9 points in the 10-team Switzerland’s first-tier and they are currently in Malta for a winter training camp before resuming their domestic commitments on February 11 with an away game against Basel.
Hibernians, on their part, will return to action in the Assikura Women’s League on Wednesday with a tricky test against Mġarr United awaiting them.
Both teams exchanged proceedings in the early stages of the game with the Swiss side threatening mostly through set-pieces.
Hibs’ goalkeeper Raisa Constantino drew a brilliant save on Rita Almeida before denying Celia Hofer with another strong save.
Aarau forged ahead on minute 34 when Fabia Reinschmidt met an Almeida cross and headed home her team’s first goal of the match.
Their joy was cut short when Alexis Espitia levelled terms for Hibernians with a long-range effort that beat goalkeeper Noemi Benz, who is part of the Switzerland’s U-19’s team.
Just before half-time, Hibernians turned the score to their favour through another Espitia goal.
After the break, both teams started to introduce new faces on the field to give as much playing time as possible to all their players.
Almeida hit the crossbar from the penalty spot early in the second half before Kayleigh Chetcuti missed a sitter for a potential two-goal lead.
That chance came back to haunt them as Sina Reinschmidt capitalised on an Almeida’s freekick to equalise for Aarau.
Hibernians went in front again, this time through a superb lob by captain Martina Borg.
Aarau upped their ante in the closing stages of the game with substitute goalkeeper Maya Muscat producing a number of brilliant saves to preserve Hibs’ lead.
Nonetheless, Aarau managed to seal the win through Vonmoos and an own goal from a corner-kick situation.
HIBERNIANS R. Constantino; A. Busuttil, N. Sciberras, A. Caschetto, C. Ellul, S. Urpani, K. Chetcuti, Y. Attard, M. Borg, A. Espitia, R. Zerafa. Subs used: M. Muscat, E. Zammit, T. Difesa, C. Galea, S. Bugeja, C. Hili, M. Schembri, E. Marmara, F. Zahra.
