Malta women secured their third consecutive victory in the UEFA Women’s Nations League with a 2-1 win over Georgia on Tuesday, showcasing a commanding attacking performance and composure under pressure.
The opening stages of the match were closely contested, with both teams struggling to gain control and exchanging possession frequently. Malta carved out the first real chance when a corner into the Georgian box was only partially cleared. Charlene Zammit regained possession and delivered a cross towards Kailey Willis, who was unable to connect cleanly.
Georgia’s first real threat came in the 36th minute through Teona Bakradze, whose long-range effort was smartly parried by Malta goalkeeper Janice Xuereb.
Malta women take control
Malta’s growing dominance paid off in the 39th minute, when Rachel Cuschieri unleashed a spectacular strike from distance that soared over Georgian keeper Tatia Gabunia and nestled into the top of the net to give Malta a deserved lead.
Georgia responded just before the break with a dangerous corner delivery, but a foul on Xuereb saw the goal disallowed, allowing Malta to head into the interval with a 1-0 advantage.
Malta nearly doubled their lead early in the second half as a low cross into the area found Willis, whose close-range shot was blocked by Gabunia.
The second goal came shortly after, as Haley Bugeja was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. Bugeja confidently stepped up and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Malta continued to press and came close to adding a third in the 69th minute. Cuschieri’s well-placed shot was denied by Gabunia, and Shona Zammit’s quick follow-up strike was also met with an excellent save.
Georgia grew into the game in the final minutes and forced Xuereb into action again with a superb save in the 81st minute. A minute later, they hit the crossbar, signalling their growing threat.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 84th minute, as Mariam Kalandadze converted from close range following a dangerous free-kick into the Malta area, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Despite the late pressure, Malta held firm to secure their second win over Georgia in just a few days and continued their strong campaign in the Nations League.
Score and line ups
2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – UEFA Women’s Nations League – Group C2
Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, 08.04.2025
MALTA…2
GEORGIA…1
(HT 1-0)
39’ Rachel Cuschieri (MLT), 60’ Haley Bugeja (MLT), 84’ Mariam Kalandadze (GEO)
Malta Line-up:
1 Janice Xuereb (GK), 5 Oceane Grange, 8 Rachel Cuschieri (C), 10 Maria Farrugia, 11 Kailey Willis (sub: 9 Alishia Cassar 80’), 13 Maya Lucia, 14 Shona Zammit, 16 Charlene Zammit, 18 Emma Xuereb, 20 Nicole Sciberras, 21 Haley Bugeja
Coach: Manuela Tesse
Georgia Line-up:
12 Tatia Gabunia (GK, C), 2 Gvantsa Kadagishvili, 3 Nino Pasikashvili (sub: 9 Maiko Bebia 80’), 4 Nino Chkhartishvili, 6 Natia Danelia, 7 Tatiana Matveeva, 10 Teona Bakradze, 16 Salome Gasviani, 17 Lizi Mtskerashvili, 19 Nino Bukhrikidze (sub: 8 Irina Khaburdzania 46’), 21 Mariam Kalandadze
Coach: Iris Antman
Sports Editor
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