Narrow defeat for women’s national team to Estonia

The Malta women’s national team lost 0-1 to Estonia in a friendly match at the Centenary Stadium on Monday.

Malta coach Mark Gatt handed Gozitan striker Maria Farrugia, who plays for Sunderland Academy, and Roxanne Micallef of Mgarr their debut as a number of players were unavailable including the experienced Dorianne Theuma, Ylenia Carabott and Rachel Cuschieri.

The visitors scored the all-important goal nine minutes from time thanks to Katrin Loo whose fine freekick gave goalkeeper Janice Xuereb no chance.

The two teams will be facing each other once again on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:30.

Photo: Copyright © domenic aquilina/MFA

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MALTA Janice Xuereb, Gabriella Zahra, AnnMarie Said (Brenda Borg 33), Stephania Farrugia, Roxanne Micallef (Claudette Xuereb 46), Maria Farrugia, Shona Zammit, Jade Flask, Charlene Zammit (Rebecca Bajada 57), Emma Xuereb (Raina Giusti 82), Alishia Sultana.
Coach: Mark Gatt

ESTONIA Getrin Strigin, Kairi Himanen, Kethy Ounpuu (Kelly Rosen 80), Ketlin Saar, Berle Brant, Siret Raamet, Katrin Loo, Eneli Kutter, Kristina Bannikova (Liivi Sormus 90), Lisette Tammik (Samanta Uueda 59), Gerli Israel (Ulrika Tulp 78).
Coach: Jarmo Matikainen

Referee: Tania Fernandes Morais (LUX)