Malta’s women’s Under-17 national team made an encouraging start to their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign but were left frustrated after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw against Serbia at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
A brace from captain Amy Catania had put Wayne Attard’s side firmly in control, but two goals in the closing stages from Jana Markovic and Tatjana Kostelnik rescued a point for Serbia.
Malta produced a disciplined performance, combining resolute defending with dangerous counter-attacking football, and appeared on course for an impressive victory before Serbia staged their late comeback.
The visitors created the first opportunity after seven minutes when a corner caused problems inside the Maltese penalty area. Goalkeeper Katelyn Camilleri was unable to clear the danger, but Anka Zivanovic failed to direct her effort on target.
Two minutes later, Malta took the lead from a corner of their own. Catania rose above the Serbian defence to power a header past goalkeeper Sandra Vukasinovic and give the hosts a dream start.
Serbia responded by increasing the pressure and came close to equalising in the 25th minute. Aleksandra Vukic capitalised on a misplaced pass in midfield and found herself in a promising position inside the penalty area, but Camilleri produced an excellent save before the Maltese defence cleared the danger.
Despite Serbia enjoying spells of possession, Malta remained threatening on the counter-attack.
Five minutes before half-time, Ivy-Rose Avah Biag delivered a clever ball over the Serbian defence to release Amberley Borg, whose attempt went wide.
Malta maintained their defensive organisation throughout the opening 45 minutes and deservedly went into the interval holding a slender advantage.
Attard’s side continued to frustrate their opponents after the restart, restricting Serbia largely to crosses from deeper positions without allowing them clear opportunities.
Malta were rewarded for their efforts on the hour when Martina Mendez Vasquez was brought down inside the penalty area and English referee Stacey Pearson pointed to the spot.
Catania stepped forward and confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 61st minute, completing her brace and doubling Malta’s advantage.
With a two-goal cushion and Serbia struggling to break down the Maltese defence, the hosts appeared well placed to secure all three points.
However, the complexion of the contest changed dramatically in the final 20 minutes.
Serbia reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute when substitute Jana Markovic connected with a cross into the Maltese penalty area and fired past Camilleri.
The goal provided Serbia with renewed confidence, and the visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when another substitute, Tatjana Kostelnik, received a lay-off and unleashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net to restore parity.
Serbia almost completed an extraordinary turnaround moments later when Markovic found space on the edge of the penalty area and struck an effort against the post.
Malta refused to settle for a draw and attempted to regain the initiative during the closing stages. Substitute Sara Anneloes Shaladi came close to restoring the hosts’ advantage, but her effort drifted wide.
Neither team managed to produce a decisive breakthrough, leaving Malta to reflect on an impressive performance which ultimately yielded just one point.
Although the late collapse will have been disappointing, Malta’s display against Serbia offered considerable encouragement, particularly their defensive organisation, commitment and ability to create opportunities against strong opposition.
Captain Catania was the outstanding figure for the hosts, scoring both goals and leading by example.
Malta will now turn their attention to their second Group B6 qualifying fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 4, when Attard’s side will be hoping to build on their opening performance.
Match details
2027 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship – Round 1, Group B6
Serbia 2–2 Malta (half-time 0–1)
Scorers: Amy Catania 9, 61 pen (Malta); Jana Markovic 72, Tatjana Kostelnik 83 (Serbia).
Venue: Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
Date: October 29, 2026.
Serbia: Sandra Vukasinovic; Nada Joksic, Nadja Trkulja, Anka Zivanovic, Andrea Deljanin (Jana Markovic 63), Jana Topic (captain), Andjela Krstic (Elena Popov 46), Lena Colovic (Tatjana Kostelnik 46), Lana Adzic, Aleksandra Vukic (Kristina Petrovic 57), Magdalena Petrovic.
Coach: Aleksandar Petrovic.
Malta: Katelyn Camilleri; Amy Catania (captain), Ivy-Rose Avah Biag, Amie Marta Portelli (Krystie Micallef 65), Martina Mendez Vasquez, Erika Cini (Kesia Farrugia 52), Elanya Mallia, Keziah Richard (Lisa Cauchi 78), Shanaia Mifsud (Katrine Sophie Jorgensen 52), Amberley Borg (Sara Anneloes Shaladi 65), Martina Montebello Caruana.
Coach: Wayne Attard.
Referee: Stacey Pearson (England).
Yellow cards: Erika Cini, Amberley Borg (Malta); Lana Adzic, Elena Popov, Magdalena Petrovic (Serbia).
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
Leave a Reply