The Malta Under-19 Women’s team had their first outing in the UEFA Tournament earlier today, a very competitive match against Israel, which was decided with an opportunistic goal by the guests on the hour by substitute Roni Levi. Although Israel dictated play, Malta gave a good account of themselves, specially in defence. However, Frank Schembri’s ladies found it hard to reach their forward line, creating very little goalscoring opportunities throughout the game.
Malta participated at this level for the first time in the 2014 edition, obtaining a prestigious 2-2 draw against Serbia. In the 2015 edition, a goalless draw was obtained against Romania, while Malta opted to stay out of the competition for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions. The last time a Malta Under-19 team was active in UEFA competitions was in October 2018 (2019 edition), before the pandemic hit also the football world hard, obtaining a goalless draw against Croatia. The UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championships of 2020 and 2021 were cancelled. It is the first time in history that the MFA is hosting an UEFA tournament for woman at this level.
Schembri opted for a solid starting eleven, including the two foreign based woman up front, Kailey Willis (Verona, Italy) and Emma Ciantar, plays her trade in England with Sunderland.
Malta goalkeeper Giuliu D’Antuono was most definitely the busiest of the two in the first half, affecting some useful saves. The Raiders custodian blocked attempts from Shaked Horovitz and Stav Arazi during the first 25 minutes, keeping the Maltese into the match. As time progressed, the Maltese ladies came more into the match with some decent passing, building up attacks from the back. However, the Israeli defence neutralised most of the danger without much difficulty. The hard-working Veronique Mifsud on midfield stood out, with helping both defence and attack with good runs and clever passing.
The hosts started the second half well with a long distance short from Mifsud which ended up on the top of the crossbar, Malta’s biggest chance in the game. However, Israel scored the decisive goal on the hour. An Arazi pass from the left was misjudged by the Maltese defence and substitute Roni Levi hit the ball past D’Antuono from the edge of the box. On 74 minutes, D’Antuono did well to save a tricky shot by the ever-present Horovitz, most definitely one of Israel’s most gifted players. Malta tried hard to score an equalizer but found it hard to reach their forward line. With one minute left on the clock, Malta substitute Yulya Carella should have done better, but the San Gwann player hesitated too long to shoot on the edge of the box and the Israeli’s could clear the danger.
Later on today, Romania and Georgia will open their account in this group, kick-off 16h at the same venue. Malta’s next appointment is on Saturday against Romania, kick-off 16h, also at the Centenary Stadium.
Malta:
Giulia D’Antuono, Martina Fenech, Tammy Falzon, Alexandra Gatt, Rhea Borg, Maya Lucia (Michaela Cachia 64), Veronique Mifsud, Ileana Farrugia (Martina Cortis 84), Mariah Cardona (Yulya Carella 77), Kailey Willis (Sarah Vella-Barberi 64), Emma Ciantar (Hannah Khatib 84).
Coach: Frank Schembri
Israel:
Yarin Tureski, Asia Dercksen (Elen Topuria 82), Noa Parnafes, Maia Sirota, Yuval Rubinstein, Hili Shalom, Keren Edri, Stav Arazi (Lihi Rahat 88), Shani Shirota, Shaked Horvitz (Yuval Nagar 75), Noy Bengal (Roni Levi 46).
Coach: Erez Belfer
Referee: Emanuela Rusta (Albania)
