Malta women succumb to defeat against Türkiye

Malta began their Group B2 European Qualifying campaign with a 3-0 defeat away to Türkiye on Tuesday afternoon, as the hosts capitalised on key moments to secure all three points in Istanbul.

The home side made a strong start and looked threatening from set-pieces early on. Their pressure paid off in the seventh minute when a corner into the box caused problems for the Maltese defence, with Lexine Farrugia inadvertently turning the ball into her own net.

Türkiye continued to press and nearly doubled their lead on 17 minutes following a free-kick that led to a scramble inside the area, but Malta managed to clear their lines. Despite attempts to settle into the match, Malta fell further behind on 29 minutes when Ebru Topçu dispossessed the defence before unleashing a powerful long-range effort that beat Giulia D’Antuono.

The hosts maintained their attacking intent for the remainder of the first half, though Malta’s backline held firm to limit further damage before the break.

After the restart, Malta showed improved composure and looked more adventurous in possession. Five minutes into the second half, neat build-up play created an opening for Maria Farrugia, who was denied by Türkiye captain Selda Akgöz, with the assistant’s flag subsequently raised for offside.

Malta continued to threaten and came close to reducing the deficit in the 67th minute. Haley Bugeja set up Maria Farrugia on the edge of the area, but her left-footed effort drifted narrowly over the crossbar.

Türkiye responded with chances of their own, forcing a crucial block from Maya Lucia before D’Antuono produced a strong save to deny Selen Altunkulak’s powerful volley. Malta defended resolutely for much of the closing stages, but two minutes from time Arzu Karabulut found space in the area to convert from close range, sealing a 3-0 victory for the hosts.

Malta return to action on Saturday when they host Switzerland at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off 19:00hrs.

Match Statistics

2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – European Qualifying – Group B2
Pendik Stadium, Istanbul, 03.03.2026

TÜRKIYE…3
MALTA…0
(HT 2-0)

7’ Lexine Farrugia OG (TUR), 29’ Ebru Topçu (TUR), 88’ Arzu Karabulut (TUR)

Possession: Türkiye 58% – Malta 42%
Shots: Türkiye 15 – Malta 9
Shots on Target: Türkiye 7 – Malta 3
Corners: Türkiye 6 – Malta 4
Fouls Committed: Türkiye 12 – Malta 14
Yellow Cards: Türkiye 1 – Malta 4
Offsides: Türkiye 2 – Malta 3

Line-ups

Türkiye: Selda Akgöz (GK) (C), Meryem Küçükbirinci, Fatma Şakar (İlayda Civelek 72’), Eda Karataş, Selen Altunkulak (Arzu Karabulut 84’), Kader Hançar (Melike Öztürk 84’), Ebru Topçu, Halle Houssein (Başak İçinözbebek 78’), Ece Türkoğlu (Miray Cin 72’), Busem Şeker, Elif Keskin
Coach: Necla Güngör Kırağası

Malta: Giulia D’Antuono (GK), Emma Lipman (C), Stephania Farrugia, Lexine Farrugia (Sara Saliba 78’), Yulya Carella (Leah Ayres 62’), Maria Farrugia, Jade Flask, Brenda Borg (Emma Sophia Flannery 89’), Emma Xuereb (Maya Lucia 46’), Nicole Sciberras (Shona Zammit 62’), Haley Bugeja
Coach: Manuela Tesse

Referee: Eugenia Gil Soriano (ESP)