In the first round of the 2023/24 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship, the Malta under-17 women’s national team showcased their determination and skill on the football field. Competing in Group B3, which was hosted in Croatia, Malta faced formidable opponents and left a mark with their performance.
Under the guidance of their coach, Vince Galea, Malta began their journey in the tournament with a tough match against the host nation, Croatia. While the outcome wasn’t in their favor, with a final score of 8-0 in Croatia’s favor, it was clear that Malta was up against a formidable adversary.
However, the Maltese team quickly rebounded in their next match against Luxembourg. With goals from Sara Saliba and Nyorah Celeste, Malta secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This win not only boosted their morale but also showcased their determination to compete at a high level.
Malta’s resilience was further exemplified in their third game of the tournament, where they faced Azerbaijan. Despite conceding an early goal, Malta rallied back and emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-1. Kaysia Micallef levelled and Lexine Farrugia netted a brace, while Sara Saliba contributed again to secure the win.
With two wins and one loss in the group stage, Malta finished in the second place of Group B3. Their remarkable turnaround from an initial defeat against Croatia to secure two victories demonstrated their growth and potential as a team.
Now, Malta eagerly awaits the results of the other Group B games to determine whether they have secured promotion to League A. According to the tournament format, the six group winners and the runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their section will be promoted. This adds an element of anticipation and hope as Malta’s young talents await their fate.
Throughout the tournament, the Maltese under-17 women’s national team had the unwavering support of Women National Teams Head Coach Manuela Tesse. Her presence at the tournament was a testament to the commitment of the entire national program in nurturing and developing young talent.
Source: MFA
Photo: MFA
