2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – European Qualifying – Group B2

Centenary Stadium | 9 June 2026

Malta 0-3 Türkiye

Half-time: 0-2

Scorers:
7′ Alexandra Gatt (own goal), 38′ Ece Türkoğlu, 52′ Selen Altunkulak

The Malta Women’s National Team concluded their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup European Qualifying campaign with a 3-0 defeat to a strong Türkiye side at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The contest began on an even footing, but the visitors broke the deadlock in the seventh minute. A dangerous cross from the right into the penalty area was inadvertently diverted into the Maltese net by Alexandra Gatt for an own goal.

Türkiye nearly doubled their advantage just four minutes later when another cross from the right found its target, but the resulting header lacked accuracy and sailed over the crossbar.

As the first half progressed, Malta enjoyed more possession in the attacking third, with Maria Farrugia and Kailey Willis combining effectively to create openings. However, the hosts were unable to produce the decisive final pass.

Despite Malta’s improved spell, Türkiye continued to pose the greater attacking threat and doubled their lead in the 38th minute. A well-worked move down the left flank ended with the ball being squared to Ece Türkoğlu, who calmly tapped home from close range.

The visitors went into the interval with a two-goal advantage, leaving Malta searching for a way back into the match.

However, Türkiye extended their lead shortly after the restart. In the 52nd minute, a lofted pass released İlayda Civelek down the left, and her low cross into the area found the onrushing Selen Altunkulak, who finished confidently past Maya Cachia to make it 3-0.

Malta goalkeeper Maya Cachia was called into action again in the 59th minute, producing an excellent save to tip Ebru Topçu’s long-range effort over the bar. Four minutes later, Melike Öztürk found space inside the penalty area but fired narrowly over the crossbar.

The hosts fashioned one of their best opportunities in the 67th minute when a long pass released Maria Farrugia down the left. After exchanging passes with Rachel Cuschieri, Farrugia worked herself into a shooting position outside the area, but her effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Gamze Yaman.

While Malta continued to search for a route back into the game, Türkiye managed their advantage effectively and saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 3-0 victory.

The evening also provided an opportunity for head coach Manuela Tesse to introduce emerging talent, with Nyorah Celeste and Amy Catania both making their senior international debuts for Malta.

Malta

23 Maya Cachia (GK), 2 Alexandra Gatt (18 Emma Xuereb, 70’), 3 Tammy Falzon (13 Amy Catania, 78’), 4 Emma Lipman (C), 7 Emma Flannery (15 Veronique Mifsud, 84’), 8 Rachel Cuschieri, 9 Kailey Willis, 10 Maria Farrugia, 11 Jade Flask (19 Nyorah Celeste, 70’), 14 Shona Zammit, 17 Brenda Borg (20 Nicole Sciberras, 70’)

Coach: Manuela Tesse

Türkiye

23 Gamze Yaman (GK), 3 Fatma Şakar (18 Ece Tekmen, 79’), 4 Eda Karataş, 6 Selen Altunkulak, 8 Melike Pekel (22 Melike Öztürk, 56’), 10 Ebru Topçu (C), 11 Miray Cin (13 Vildan Kardesler, 56’), 15 Kezban Tağ, 16 Ece Türkoğlu (9 Kader Hançar, 46’), 17 İlayda Civelek, 20 Cansu Kaya (14 Halle Houssein, 46’)

Coach: Necla Gungor Kiragasi