Malta conceded a late goal in a narrow defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in another match from Group B3 of the Women’s European Qualifiers at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.
For Malta, this was the second successive defeat after the defeat to group leaders Portugal following the away draw with Northern Ireland in the opening match. Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, collect their first points after back-to-back defeats to Portugal and Northern Ireland.
This match marked the last appearance for the national team for veteran midfielder Dorianne Theuma who had announced earlier that she was retiring from playing football.
The locals went close with a Haley Bugeja effort on 8 minutes which was parried by Almina Hodzic. Bosnia and Herzegovina replied with a Selma Kapetanovic effort which was parried by goalkeeper Patricia Ebejer on 13 minutes. Eight minutes later, a fine header by Amela Krso ended just wide.
Seven minutes in the second half, Minela Gacanica missed a good opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina hitting wide from close range following a swift counter break for the visitors.
Seven minutes from time, Maria Farrugia had the opportunity to notch the winner for Malta but hit high after advancing on the right.
However with two minutes to go, Bosnia and Herzegovina, captain Milena Nikolic headed the ball home off a cross from the left.
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
