Crista Chetcuti Ganado’s 88th-minute header earned Malta a 1–1 draw against Romania in their UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship qualifier at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.
Melania Bajada’s side showed resilience after falling behind to Maria Olah’s second-half strike, with goalkeeper Maya Muscat making crucial saves before Malta secured a late equaliser.
Malta started positively and threatened after 16 minutes when Chetcuti Ganado found space around the penalty area, only for her effort to be blocked.
Nina-Lee Naudi then collected possession in midfield and tried her luck in the 26th minute, but Romanian goalkeeper Rebeca Achitei saved comfortably.
Romania responded through Tanya Maier, whose powerful long-range effort cleared the bar. At the other end, Amy Catania tested Achitei with a well-struck free-kick in the 31st minute, but neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
Romania increased the pressure after the interval. Muscat produced an excellent save to deny Carina Raducu in the 51st minute, but the visitors took the lead five minutes later.
Raducu made a driving run down the left and saw her effort parried by Muscat. Olah reacted first to convert the rebound from close range.
Muscat kept Malta in contention with another important intervention in the 80th minute, tipping Olah’s shot over the bar.
Malta came close to equalising five minutes later when Catania’s curling free-kick struck the crossbar before Romania cleared.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute. Kay Axiak delivered a corner into the penalty area and Chetcuti Ganado rose highest to head home, securing a deserved reward for Malta’s determined performance.
Malta conclude their Group B6 commitments against Kazakhstan on Monday, 12 October, with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm.
Match stats
Romania 1 Malta 1
Half-time: 0–0
Scorers: Maria Olah 56’ (Romania); Crista Chetcuti Ganado 88’ (Malta)
Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali – 9 October 2026
Romania: Rebeca Achitei; Lorena Mihailesc (Aida Bucsa 46’), Nathalie Stoicescu, Irina Cicos, Sara Bortea (captain), Tania Noje (Sophia Daniela Glatter 46’), Andreea Candea (Maria Olah 46’), Sophie Cojanu (Corina Colibaba 63’), Tanya Maier, Anabelle Nombot (Carina Raducu 46’), Jeacqueline Craiovan.
Coach: Constantin Olariu.
Malta: Maya Muscat; Amy Catania, Amber Galea (captain) (Krista Sacco 80’), Madison Grace Cachia, Lisa Calleja (Gloria Cassar 80’), Crista Chetcuti Ganado, Kay Axiak, Thais Muscat (Edeson Grixti 80’), Nina-Lee Naudi, Alanah Ghio, Olivia Nazarko.
Coach: Melania Bajada.
Referee: Melissa Burgin (England).
Yellow cards: Anabelle Nombot (Romania), Amy Catania (Malta).
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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