By: Michael Obeng and Albert Parker Narteh
Epiphany Warriors FC recorded their first-ever Premier League win after beating Faith Ladies 2-0 on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Adjringanor Astro Turf on matchday one of the 2024/24 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.
Expectations ran high for both teams, but it was the Epiphany Warriors who would leave a lasting mark on the minds of the charged home crowd with their impressive 2-0 victory.
As the whistle blew to kick off the season, the Warriors showcased a blend of determination and skill. The first half saw both teams creating chances, but neither could find the back of the net.
Faith Ladies came close to scoring through forward Julian Fafali but for a wayward strike, while Epiphany Warriors’ best chance fell the way of striker Diana Abuu only for her effort to be saved by Bansah.
The breakthrough came shortly after halftime. Just two minutes into the second half, Beline Nyarko silenced the Faith Ladies’ defense with a beautiful curler.
An initial shot fell kindly to the Epiphany Warriors playmaker, who calmly unleashed a shot that soared past the goalkeeper and nestled into the net to record her side’s first-ever Premier League goal.
With the momentum firmly in their favor, the Warriors continued to apply pressure. Faith Ladies found themselves on the back foot, struggling to regain their composure.
Just eight minutes later, in the 55th minute, substitute midfielder, Grace Appiah Asamoah further established the Warriors’ dominance.
Asamoah will finish off an impressive team play which saw the home side string close to 20 consecutive passes. The midfielder hit a shot from the edge of the box which sailed beyond the reach of Faith Ladies goalkeeper, Annabel Bansah.
The remaining minutes saw the Faith Ladies fighting valiantly to claw back into the match, but the Warriors’ defense held strong. The Epiphany Warriors, buoyed by the energy of their supporters, played with an infectious confidence that highlighted their potential for the season ahead.
As the final whistle blew, signaling an unforgettable first match, players and fans alike celebrated what would go down in history as Epiphany Warriors’ first-ever win in the top flight.
This victory was not merely about the three points; it was a statement. The team had proven that they were not only capable of competing but also of thrilling their supporters with electrifying football.
With their inaugural match under their belts, the Warriors now look to build on this momentum as they aim for a successful season in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.
They travel to fellow newcomers Halifax Queens in match week two. A side that unlike Epiphany Warriors lost their opening Premier by a lone goal to Jonina Ladies away from home .