MALTA                                      1
M. Farrugia 20

SWITZERLAND                    4
Beney 8; Lehmann 10
Folmli 39; Csillag 73

MALTA
G. D’Antuono; E. Flannery (58 S. Zammit), E. Lipman, S. Farrugia, L. Farrugia (77 K. Willis), M. Farrugia, J. Flask, M. Lucia (71 Y. Carella), B. Borg, H. Bugeja, L. Ayres (77 J. Barbara).

SWITZERLAND
L. Peng: N. Maritz, G. Reuteler, N. Riesen, S. Schertenleib (74 L. Kamber), L. Wälti, L. Wandeler (62 A. Crnogorevic), S. Folmli (46 A. Csillag), V. Calligaris, I. Beney (85 L. Egli), A. Lehmann (62 R. Xhemaili).

Referee: Jelena Medjedović (Serbia FA).

Yellow cards: Reuteler, Csillag, D’Antuono.

Malta’s women’s national team delivered a significantly improved performance but ultimately fell to a 4–1 defeat against Switzerland women’s national football team in their second match of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Despite the scoreline, the Maltese side showed greater organisation, attacking intent and resilience compared to their previous outing, competing well for long spells against a Swiss team ranked 25th in the FIFA rankings and widely regarded as favourites to top the group and return to League A.

Swiss Control Early Stages

The visitors made their intentions clear early on and nearly opened the scoring inside six minutes when Alisha Lehmann fired a shot on goal, only for Malta goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono to react sharply and block the effort.

The breakthrough arrived shortly afterwards when Iman Beney found space outside the area and curled a precise effort beyond D’Antuono to put Switzerland ahead.

Switzerland quickly doubled their lead as Lehmann was played through on goal and calmly slotted past the Maltese goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

Farrugia Responds for Malta

Despite the early setbacks, Malta began to grow into the game and created a dangerous moment when Maria Farrugia came close from close range following a free-kick delivered by Lexine Farrugia.

Malta’s response eventually arrived in the 20th minute in spectacular fashion. Maria Farrugia latched onto a long pass from Stephania Farrugia and produced a clever cross-shot that caught Livia Peng off guard, drifting over the goalkeeper and into the net to reduce the deficit to 2–1.

The goal briefly stunned the Swiss defence and gave Malta renewed confidence.

Switzerland Restore Control

Switzerland continued to press and came close again through Leila Wandeler, whose long-range attempt sailed over the bar.

D’Antuono remained busy between the posts, producing an excellent save from a free-kick taken by Beney as Malta fought to stay within reach.

However, the visitors restored their two-goal cushion before the break when Svenja Fölmli converted from close range after a corner-kick situation to make it 3–1.

Second Half Efforts

Switzerland continued to threaten early in the second half, with substitute Aurélie Csillag striking the woodwork shortly after coming on.

Malta head coach Manuela Tesse responded by introducing Shona Zammit in midfield to add energy and aggression.

The Swiss bench also proved influential, with experienced forward Ana-Maria Crnogorčević and Riola Xhemaili entering the match as the visitors continued to push forward.

Xhemaili had a golden opportunity inside the penalty area but failed to capitalise, sending her effort wide.

Csillag Seals the Result

Switzerland eventually added a fourth goal when Csillag latched onto a long through-ball and beat D’Antuono at the near post from close range to seal a 4–1 victory.

Although the result marked Malta’s second consecutive defeat in the qualifying campaign, the performance showed clear signs of progress, with the hosts demonstrating improved structure, defensive organisation and attacking ambition against one of the strongest sides in the group.