Bittersweet farewell for Dorianne Theuma
UEFA European Women’s Qualifier 2025 – Group B3
Malta……………………….0
Bosnia Herzegovina……1
Malta suffered a narrow defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their latest match from Group B3 of the Women’s European Qualifiers at the Centenary Stadium on Friday, conceding a late goal.
This loss marks Malta’s second consecutive defeat, following their previous loss to group leaders Portugal. Their opening match against Northern Ireland ended in a draw. On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina earned their first points after suffering back-to-back defeats against Portugal and Northern Ireland.
This match also served as the final appearance for veteran midfielder Dorianne Theuma, who had previously announced her retirement from playing football.
Malta had a close chance to score in the 8th minute with a shot from Haley Bugeja, but it was saved by goalkeeper Almina Hodzic. Bosnia and Herzegovina responded with a shot from Selma Kapetanovic in the 13th minute, which was parried away by goalkeeper Patricia Ebejer. Eight minutes later, Amela Krso narrowly missed a header.
In the second half, Minela Gacanica had a good opportunity to score for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but she missed wide from close range after a quick counter-attack.
With seven minutes remaining in the match, Maria Farrugia had a chance to secure a victory for Malta.
However, with only two minutes remaining, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s captain, Milena Nikolic, successfully directed the ball into the net after receiving a cross from the left side.
MALTA Patricia Ebejer, Ann-Marie Said, Emma Lipman, Stephania Farrugia, Rachel Cuschieri (85’ Nicole Sciberras), Maria Farrugia, Jade Flask (62’ Kailey Willis), Shona Zammit, Charlene Zammit, Brenda Borg, Haley Bugeja (89’ Dorianne Theuma).
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA Almina Hodzic, Gloria Sliskovic, Marija Milinkovic, Melisa Hasanbegovic, Marija Aleksic, Milena Nikolic, Emina Ekic (90’ Sorfija Krajsumovic), Selma Kapetanovic, Minela Gacanica (68’ Alma Krajnic), Amela Krso (90+2’ Andrea Cule), Dajana Sapsojevic.
Referee: Emily Heaslip ENG
Assistant Referees: Nicoleta Bria, Grace Lowe ENG
Fourth Official: Melissa Burgin ENG
