The Malta Women’s Under-19 National Team suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat against Romania on Monday, March 2, 2026, in the second of two international friendlies. Despite a spirited effort in the first half, a second-half surge led by hat-trick hero Rania Kara Jouli saw the visitors pull away.

First Half: Romania Take Control

The match began as a balanced tactical battle, but Romania broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. A swift run down the left wing resulted in a low cross that found Rania Kara Jouli, who clinicaly finished at the far post. Six minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage when Maria Olah capitalised on another driven cross into the box.

Malta attempted to regain a foothold with neat interplay in midfield, but the Romanian backline remained compact. Goalkeeper Maya Muscat performed admirably under pressure, making several key saves to keep the score at 2-0 going into the interval.

Second Half: Clinical Romania Pull Away

Romania effectively ended the contest early in the second half. Kara Jouli added her second in the 51st minute after a defensive lapse and completed her hat-trick just four minutes later.

Malta searched for a response, with Lisa Calleja firing just over the bar and Nyorah Celeste seeing an effort blocked. However, Romania’s efficiency in front of goal continued as Alexia Niculescu, Eszter Szoke, and Sara Bortea all found the net to extend the lead to 7-0.

Consolation for the Hosts

Malta refused to surrender and earned a consolation goal in the 84th minute. Following a goalmouth scramble initiated by a set-piece, Stella Francalanza reacted quickest to tuck the ball home. Romania had the final say, however, with Maria Ivan netting in the 89th minute to cap off an 8-1 victory.

MALTA: M. Muscat, A. Galea, F. Bartolo, E. Micallef, L. Calleja, N. Celeste (65’ S. Muscat), A. Fenech (46’ T.I. Scicluna), S. Mallia (81’ M. Mifsud Gauci), L.M. Azzopardi (81’ P. Camilleri), S. Farrugia (65’ J. Camilleri), S. Francalanza.

ROMANIA: I. Coman, I. Apostol, V. Bogos (53’ B. Corsei), A. Lonte (60’ A. Mihaescu), C. Raducu (60’ M. Ivan), M. Olah (60’ J. Ouatu), R. Kara Jouli (60’ E. Szoke), D. Cioabla, G. Dumitru (60’ A. Niculescu), L. Olescher (60’ A. Radu), I. Cicos (60’ S. Bortea).

Referee: Andrea Naudi
Yellow Cards: Cioabla, Apostol (ROU).