The Malta Women’s Under-19 National Team produced an encouraging performance against Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon but were undone by a late trio of goals, falling 4–2 in an entertaining encounter at the Centenary Stadium.
Malta began brightly and nearly went ahead within the opening minutes when Rowen Crawshaw’s cross found Caitlyn Turner, whose shot was tipped onto the bar by Lebanon goalkeeper Marcelle Skaiki. At the other end, Lebanon hit the post through Maryam Lazkani as both sides exchanged early chances.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Crista Chetcuti Ganado threaded a superb through ball to Lexine Farrugia, who slotted home from close range to put Malta in front.
Lebanon equalised in the 35th minute after being awarded a penalty for a foul inside the area, with Sherin Hasno firing into the top corner to level the score at 1–1.
After the break, Malta regained the advantage in the 54th minute, when Amelia Vassallo latched onto a fine pass from Chetcuti Ganado and coolly finished past the goalkeeper.
However, Lebanon struck back quickly as Luna Khazem made it 2–2 in the 61st minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to head home from close range.
The visitors then turned the match around with two late goals — Maryam Lazkani’s long-range strike in the 77th minute, followed by Sarah Issa’s composed finish two minutes from time — to seal the win.
Despite the defeat, Malta showed plenty of attacking spirit and will have another chance to test themselves when they face Lebanon again on Friday, 24th October, at 15:00hrs, once more at the Centenary Stadium.
Women’s Under-19 International Friendly
Wednesday, 22 October 2025 – Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali
Malta 2–4 Lebanon
(Half-Time: 1–1)
Scorers:
20’ Lexine Farrugia (MLT), 35’ Sherin Hasno (LEB, pen), 54’ Amelia Vassallo (MLT), 61’ Luna Khazem (LEB), 77’ Maryam Lazkani (LEB), 88’ Sarah Issa (LEB)
Line-Ups
Malta:
Maya Muscat (GK) (Julia Maria Zarb, 46’); Francesca Bartolo (Amelia Vassallo, 46’), Amber Galea (Thais Muscat, 62’), Lara May Azzopardi (Maia Gauci, 62’), Rowen Crawshaw; Emma Flannery, Caitlyn Turner, Stella Francalanza; Nyorah Celeste (Ylenia Azzopardi, 46’), Crista Chetcuti Ganado (Lisa Calleja, 62’), Lexine Farrugia (C) (Suzanne Farrugia Sacco, 46’).
Coach: David Attard
Lebanon:
Marcelle Skaiki (GK); Haya Najjad, Ayana Rezkallah, Lynn Moutran, Celine Bitar; Cecile Iskandar (C), Paula Karam (Gianna Frangieh, 62’), Sherin Hasno; Luna Khazem (Caren Serhal, 75’), Maryam Lazkani, Gabriella Danielle (Sarah Issa, 68’).
Coach: Francois Dahdah
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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