Malta’s Women’s Under-19 side suffered defeat to Romania in the first of two international friendlies played at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday morning, with the visitors sealing the result through a strong finish despite a competitive showing by the hosts.

Romania started on the front foot and went ahead after 20 minutes when captain Eszter Szoke struck with a well-taken effort that beat goalkeeper Erika Muscat. The visitors maintained control and doubled their lead on 36 minutes through Jasmine Ouatu, who finished clinically, while Szoke was denied a second soon after by a timely Maltese block.

Malta came close to pulling a goal back just before the interval when Ema Micallef set up Nyorah Celeste, but her effort was superbly stopped by Alesia Moldovan.

The Maltese girls improved after the break and were unlucky not to score on 49 minutes when Lisa Calleja’s long-range free kick struck the outside of the post. Romania responded with further pressure, and after Muscat saved well from Dana Ciobla, the resulting corner saw Amber Galea inadvertently turn the ball into her own net to make it 3-0.

The scoreline became heavier in the closing stages. Maria Olah finished from close range following a well-worked move on 83 minutes, and three minutes later Rania Kara Jouli added a fifth with a composed finish.

Despite the result, Malta showed positive spells, particularly early in the second half, but were unable to find the net.

Malta: Erika Muscat, Thea Ida Scicluna (Angele Fenech 77’), Amber Galea, Francesca Bartolo, Ema Micallef, Nyorah Celeste, Thais Muscat (Shannen Mallia 64’), Suzanne Farrugia Sacco, Lara May Azzopardi, Stella Francalanza, Lisa Calleja (Shanna Farrugia 64’)
Coach: David Attard

Romania: Alesia Moldovan, Andra Mihaescu (Irina Apostol 60’), Bianca Corsei (Carina Raducu 60’), Sara Bortea (Rania Kara Jouli 60’), Violeta Bogos (Rania Kara 60’), Anastasia Radu (Dana Ciobla 60’), Eszter Szoke (Giulia Dumitru 60’), Maria Ivan, Alexia Niculescu (Irina Cicos 60’), Laureen Olescher (Anastasia Lonte 46’), Jasmine Ouatu (Maria Olah 60’)
Coach: Constantin Olariu

Referee: Paula Buttigieg