The Malta women’s national team, led by coach Manuela Tesse, secured a historic qualification to League B of the UEFA Women’s Nations League for only the second time in their history with a 1-0 victory over Cyprus.
This match held special significance, as it marked the first time in nearly 20 years that the women’s national team played at the National Stadium.
Early on, in the 10th minute, Malta goalkeeper Janice Xuereb did well to stop a close-range effort from Chara Charalambous. A minute later, Maria Farrugia responded for Malta with a long-range shot that went just over the crossbar.
Malta came close in the 33rd minute when Haley Bugeja delivered an excellent pass to Rachel Cuschieri, who advanced into the box but narrowly missed the target with her shot.
In the 39th minute, Cyprus were unlucky not to take the lead, striking the post through a powerful effort by Elena Aristodimou.
However, it was Malta who struck first. In the 42nd minute, Bugeja made a brilliant run down the flank, cut inside past her defender, and fired a shot that beat Maria Matthalou in the Cypriot goal.
Just before halftime, Bugeja again threatened with a delicate lob that was well saved by Matthalou.
In the second half, Malta maintained control. In the 57th minute, Shona Zammit came close to doubling the lead from close range. Then in the 67th, Matthalou was called into action again, this time to deny Emma Lipman’s header.
Maria Farrugia almost sealed it in the 72nd minute with a shot that struck the upright, but the single goal proved enough.
At the final whistle, players, officials, and fans alike celebrated a memorable achievement — securing promotion to a higher tier in European competition.
Malta will conclude their group campaign on Tuesday with an away match against Andorra, kicking off at 7pm.
Malta XI: Janice Xuereb, Emma Lipman, Oceane Grange, Rachel Cuschieri, Kailey Willis, Maria Farrugia, Maya Lucia, Shona Zammit, Emma Xuereb, Nicole Sciberras, Haley Bugeja (Leah Ayres 90’).
Cyprus XI: Maria Matthalou, Chara Charalambous, Chryso Charalambous (Korina Adamou 64’), Chryso Michael (Efthalia Sckiakalli 75’), Andrea Cusick (Lucretia Chrysostomou 87’), Maria Panagiotou, Filippa Savva, Antri Violari, Elena Aristodimou (Anna Matsoukari 87’), Sara Papadopoulou, Marilena Georgiou, Marilia Constantinou (Antriana Tsoukka 75’).
Referee: Sabina Bolic (Croatia).
