KAZAKHSTAN…1
MALTA…3
(HT 0-1)

26’ Emma Sophia Flannery (MLT), 46’ Lexine Farrugia (MLT), 51’ Nyorah Celeste (MLT), 68’ Nazym Aldanazar (KAZ)

Malta wrapped up their UEFA Euro WU19 Qualifiers campaign in style on Monday, earning a confident 3–1 victory over Kazakhstan in the final Group B6 match. The young Maltese side delivered a composed, disciplined, and attacking performance from start to finish.

Malta signalled their intent straight from kick-off, combining well to release Lexine Farrugia, whose near-post effort was pushed away by Kazakh goalkeeper Ayana Toktarova. Despite Malta’s early dominance, Kazakhstan nearly struck first in the eighth minute when Nazym Aldanazar fired a looping shot just over the bar.

In the 21st minute, Malta came inches from opening the scoring. Crista Chetcuti Ganado burst through on goal, but her left-footed strike was blocked by Toktarova, with the rebound also denied by the Kazakh defence.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 26th minute after a frantic scramble in the penalty area. Multiple Maltese attempts were repelled before the ball fell kindly to Emma Sophia Flannery, who powered her shot into the net to give Malta a deserved lead.

The Reds continued to dominate possession and create chances. Ten minutes later, neat interplay set up Nyorah Celeste, but her effort was stopped by Toktarova. Just before halftime, Suzanne Farrugia Sacco broke down the left and picked out Farrugia in the box, but the latter couldn’t connect cleanly.

Malta picked up in the second half exactly where they left off. Within moments of the restart, Chetcuti Ganado controlled the ball brilliantly and slipped it to Farrugia, who calmly slotted home to make it 2–0. The scoreline became 3–0 soon after, with Chetcuti Ganado again turning provider—this time crossing for Celeste to finish from close range.

Kazakhstan pulled one back in the 68th minute when Aldanazar capitalised on a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Despite the setback, Malta remained the superior side and created further chances, particularly in the 75th minute, though they were unable to extend their lead.

The closing minutes saw Malta control possession and manage the game with maturity, ensuring a well-earned victory.

With this 3–1 win, Malta conclude their UEFA Euro WU19 Qualifiers on a positive note, showcasing promising attacking play and strong team cohesion throughout the match.

Kazakhstan
12 Ayana Toktarova (GK) (1 Didar Naken, 55’), 3 Azhar Shoketayeva (15 Aizada Adilbek, 28’), 4 Adeliya Bekkozhina, 6 Darya Tolkachyova (16 Ramina Omarova, 55’), 7 Zhanel Talasbayeva, 8 Nazym Aldanazar (C), 11 Elina Irismetova (5 Anel Dosbolova, 46’), 13 Medina Murat (10 Tomiris Rakhatzhan, 55’), 14 Aissana Zeken, 19 Zhansezim Aissapar, 20 Diana Sabyr
Coach: Zhanna Malgazhdarova

Malta
1 Erika Muscat (GK), 2 Thea Ida Scicluna, 3 Emma Sophia Flannery, 4 Amber Galea, 5 Francesca Bartolo, 7 Lexine Farrugia (C) (18 Shana Farrugia, 78’), 10 Nyorah Celeste, 13 Crista Chetcuti Ganado, 15 Suzanne Farrugia Sacco (6 Ema Micallef, 66’), 17 Lara May Azzopardi, 19 Stella Francalanza
Coach: David Attard

Referee: Teona Sturua (GEO)

Yellow cards: Nyorah Celeste (MLT), Aizada Adilbek (KAZ)