MALTA…………….0
KAZAKHSTAN…..0
(Half-time: 0-0)
Malta and Kazakhstan played out a 0-0 draw in their final Group B3 match of the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship Qualifiers. It was a close match with chances for both teams.
Kazakhstan had the first chance when Zhansezim Aissapar got through on goal, but her left-footed shot was weak and easily saved by Malta’s goalkeeper, Erika Muscat.
Malta slowly grew into the game and started to attack more, linking up well with some tidy passing. In the 25th minute, their high pressing almost led to a goal when a deflected ball nearly went in, but it just missed the target.
Muscat had to make a save just before the half-hour mark after a Kazakhstan free-kick wasn’t cleared properly by Malta’s defence.
Neither side could break the deadlock before half-time, and the first half ended 0-0.
Right after the restart, Kazakhstan thought they had scored when Elnura Katran finished from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Kazakhstan nearly took the lead in the 60th minute, when Nursaya Sultan hit a powerful free-kick from distance, but it went just wide of the post.
Malta had a great chance in the 80th minute. Ema Micallef made a strong run through the middle and passed to Crista Chetcuti Ganado, who cut inside nicely, but her shot was saved by Kazakhstan’s keeper, Assel Anuarbek. Moments later, Muscat made a brilliant save to stop Diana Nakypbek, who was through on goal.
Despite chances for both sides in the final minutes, the match ended 0-0.
