Malta’s U-17 women’s national team put in a spirited performance but ultimately fell 3-1 to Lithuania in their second UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship qualifying match, played on Monday at the Centenary Stadium.
Lithuania made a lightning start, taking the lead just three minutes in when Justina Blazevicute capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot past Katelyn Camilleri. The visitors continued to look dangerous, with Paulina Mockute striking the crossbar midway through the first half.
Malta gradually grew into the game, showing more confidence going forward. Amy Bello Catania and Nina-Lee Naudi both came close to equalising, while a Catania header from a corner just before the break forced a fine save from Lithuanian goalkeeper Ieva Kaminskaite.
After the restart, Lithuania doubled their lead on the hour mark when Blazevicute ran through on goal and coolly finished to make it 2-0. Despite the setback, Malta refused to back down, coming close through a powerful long-range free kick from Catania that narrowly cleared the bar.
Blazevicute completed her hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing off another quick counterattack to put the game beyond reach.
Still, Malta continued to press and got a deserved consolation in the 84th minute when Amberley Borg reacted quickest to a rebound and fired home from close range.
The Maltese girls fought valiantly until the final whistle but could not add to their tally, as Lithuania held on for the 3-1 win.
Malta’s next match in the qualifying campaign will be against Sweden on Sunday, 9 November, at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 12:00).
Final Score:
Malta 1–3 Lithuania
3’ Blazevicute (LTU), 60’ Blazevicute (LTU), 76’ Blazevicute (LTU), 84’ Borg (MLT)
Referee: Duygu Hatice Aydin (TUR)
Yellow cards: Amy Portelli, Nina-Lee Naudi (Malta)
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