Women’s Under-19 International Friendly
Centenary Stadium – 6 June 2026

Malta 3
Saudi Arabia 0

Scorers: Lisa Calleja 20′, Gloria Cassar 45+2′, Kay Axiak 63′

The Malta Women’s Under-19 National Team recorded their second victory in as many matches against Saudi Arabia, producing another composed and convincing performance to secure a 3-0 win at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Having comfortably defeated the same opponents earlier in the week, Malta entered the second friendly aiming to replicate that display and made a bright start to the contest.

The hosts created their first clear opportunity after just five minutes when Amy Catania embarked on an impressive run into the penalty area, only to see her effort well saved by Saudi goalkeeper Dima Shaikh.

With temperatures making conditions challenging for both sides, the game settled into a slower rhythm before Malta broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Lisa Calleja won possession just outside the area and produced an excellent curling strike into the top corner, leaving Shaikh with no chance.

Malta nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Catania unleashed a powerful effort that required an acrobatic save from Shaikh, who tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The second goal eventually arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Following good work down the left by Catania, her cross into the penalty area found Gloria Cassar, who reacted quickest to stab the ball home and give Malta a deserved 2-0 lead at the interval.

The second half began in controlled fashion, with Malta continuing to dictate possession while limiting Saudi Arabia’s attacking opportunities.

The match was effectively settled in the 63rd minute when Kay Axiak scored the pick of the goals, producing a superb finish to extend Malta’s advantage to 3-0.

With a comfortable cushion, the home side managed the remainder of the contest with confidence, controlling possession and seeing out the match without difficulty to complete an impressive double victory over Saudi Arabia.

Teams

Malta:
Maya Muscat (Raisa Magro 72); Amy Catania, Amber Galea, Olivia Nazarko, Lisa Calleja (Somaya Muscat 78), Madison Grace Cachia, Kay Axiak, Alanah Ghio (Yasmine Ghenam 46), Lara May Azzopardi, Edeson Grixti (Thais Muscat 46), Gloria Cassar (Alys Faye Lucy Wilson 46).
Coach: Melania Bajada.

Saudi Arabia:
Dima Shaikh, Layan Amir, Aseel Ahmed, Lulu Abdallah, Zahra Talib, Lareen Basonyi (Lina Eed 46), Lamar Wael, Lama Thmair, Mwaddah Almaghrabi, Tulin Alghamdi, Maha Albadrani (Saba Alyaha 46).
Coach: Xavier Vilamala.

Referee: Jo-Anna Vassallo.