Last-gasp Birkirkara clinch Maltese women's crown

Birkirkara FC will embark on their fourth European campaign next season after retaining the Malta Women's First Division title.

Level on points with hosts Mosta FC going into their championship decider and missing four regulars, Birkirkara triumphed with a last-minute goal from Isabelle Mazzitelli to clinch their fifth league success in seven years. Star of the evening was Malta captain Rachel Cuschieri, who led the team from start to finish with an impeccable performance.

"I have had to endure lots of problems this season – a knee cartilage, then I broke my arm – but, as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," Cuschieri told UEFA.com. "It is always a dream come true for me to captain my team in winning the Maltese Division One championship.

"I am speechless this evening – I cannot describe the feeling in words and feel like the happiest person in the world at the moment! I'm so proud of my team – if it wasn't for them all, we would not be here today lifting the trophy."

Having lost all three games in their previous European seasons of 2007/08, 2009/10 and 2012/13, Birkirkara will start the 2013/14 UEFA Women's Champions League in the qualifying round They will discover their opponents on 27 June and play their mini-tournament from 8 to 13 August.