Women’s national team places third in Aphrodite Cup

The Malta women’s national team placed third in the Aphrodite Cup which was played in Cyprus after defeating Latvia 2-0 on Thursday thanks to goals by Dorianne Theuma and Stephania Farrugia.

Following a goalless first half, Dorianne Theuma opened the score on the 52nd minute with a shot from outside the penalty area. Stephania Farrugia doubled the score with a header on the 72nd minute off a corner by Dorianne Theuma.

This tournament was an overall positive performance for the team led by new coach Mark Gatt considering that Malta won two matches, drew one and lost one – after beating Azerbaijan 2-1, losing 1-2 to Cyprus and a 1-1 draw with Bahrain in the group. This should have served as excellent preparation for the team ahead of the UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers against Andorra, Georgia and the Faroe Islands in a few days’ time. Malta will be hosting the mini-tournament between the 4th and 9th April.

Meanwhile in the final of the Aphrodite Cup, Greece defeated hosts Cyprus 2-0.

MALTA Rachelle Borg, Gabriella Zahra, Yasmeen Vella (76′ Rosalie Cauchi), Stephania Farrugia, Dorianne Theuma, Ylenia Carabott, Rachel Cuschieri, Shona Zammit, Jade Flask (85′ Mandy Debono), Charlene Zammit, Brenda Borg (67′ Emma Xuereb).