The Malta women’s Under-15 national team defeated Mongolia 3-2 in the first match from the UEFA Development Tournament which is being played at the Chang Arena in Buriram, Thailand.

Led by coach Dorianne Theuma, the Maltese girls were off to a flying start, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes through an own goal.

The Maltese were the better team on the field of play and doubled the score through Haley Bugeja on 26 minutes

Mongolia pulled one back a minute later through Chinbaatar Solongo. 

Nevertheless, Theuma’s girls stayed on top, restoring their two-goal lead with a 60th-minute goal by Veronique Mifsud who netted from close range. 

As the second half progressed, both teams started introducing new faces and scoring chances were few and far between. 

Four minutes from time, Mongolia reduced the deficit but the Maltese girls managed to ward off their opponents’ late efforts to secure a win in their opening match.

Malta’s next match is against Singapore on Tuesday before the final game against hosts Thailand on Thursday.

MALTA Maya Cachia, Martina Fenech, Alexandra Gatt, Georgiana Mifsud, Laura Chetcuti Dimech, Elena Sissons, Maya Lucia (90′ Rhea Borg), Haley Bugeja (69′ Mariah Cardona), Veronique Mifsud, Hannah Khatib (64′ Martina Cortis), Kailey Willis (84′ Kaycee Micallef).

Photo: Copyright © Thai FA