Fine display not enough for women’s Under-17 side

women-under-17-greece161008Another brave performance was not enough for the Women’s U-17 selection, as they fell short to hosts Greece in their second commitment from the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship qualifiers at the Pampeloponnisiaka Stadium in Patras.

As expected, Greece targeted this match as a must-win and they inched up their way in the pitch from the initial minutes, in search of an early goal. In a disappointing first half for the Maltese side, Maria Palama drew first blood on the 24th minute, while six minutes later, skipper Dimitra Karapetsa doubled the Greeks’ lead to end the first half at 2-0.

Coach Frank Schembri introduced a couple of new faces after the change of ends, and the Maltese looked a different side, as they were more resilient, preventing Greece from extending their lead.

Following the match, Greece’s coach, Antonios Prionas, had words of praise towards the Maltese girls, describing them as one of the most organized team he had ever crossed swords with.

Meanwhile, Malta will be back in action next Tuesday, when they face Montenegro at 15:00, Malta’s time.

GREECE Zoi Nasi; Anna Konstantinidou (49′ Evangelia Kaldi), Zoi Christodolou, Maria Katirtsidou, Maria Paterna, Maria Palama, Dimitra Karapets, Grigoria Pouliou, Ifigineia Georgantzi, Eirini Despoina Drakonaki (70′ Vasiliki Louka), Konstantina Strantzali (64′ Maria Vlassopoulou).

MALTA Patricia Ebejer; Kim Borg (69′ Caoimhe Camilleri), Nicole Sciberras, Chloe Ann Ellul, Celeste Grech, Maia Debono (41′ Amy Busuttil), Maria Farrugia, Samantha Zarb (52′ Kayleigh Chetcuti), Rohanne Zahra, Sarah Urpani, Michela Felice .

Referee: Jurgita Mačikunytė (LTU)