by Belarus secured a 2 – 0 victory against Malta in a first of two friendlies to be played in this window. Anastasiya Shlapakova got Belarus on the scoresheet in the second half, with Nastasia Shuppo claiming a late penalty on the third attempt. Malta’s Gabriella Zahra made her final appearance for the national team in the match.
Team Selections
Giulia D’Antuono started between the posts for Malta, behind back-four consisting of Maya Lucia, captain Emma Lipman, Oceane Grange and Stephania Farrugia. Nicole Sciberras, Rachel Cuschieri and Shona Zammit continued to operate at the heart of Malta’s side. Maria Farrugia and Haley Bugeja flanked Kailey Willis.
Maryia Svidunovich started in goal for Belarus, behind a back line consisting of Yuliya Sliasarchyk, Hanna Kaziupa, Aryna Sitnikava and Zaryna Kapustsina. Anastasiya Maher started in front of the defence, with Hanna Siniauskaya and captain Anastasiya Linnik linking further forward. Melana Surautsava led the line, flanked by Anastasiya Shlapakova and Karyna Alkhovik.
The match was preceded by an announcement that Gabriella Zahra would be retiring from international duty following the match. The midfielder played sixty-one appearances for the national team of Malta since making her debut in 2009.
How It Unfolded
Malta’s side walked onto the pitch donning the throwback 125-year anniversary kit, against a Belarussian side looking to show their strengths. The match kicked off to the imagined roar of the South End Core, whose lack of presence was underlined by the muted home end.
It set the tone for the early stages, with Belarus immediately imposing themselves in the match. Shona Zammit was the first to give the home faithful something to cheer for as the Swieqi United midfielder dribbled her way out of a crowd in midfield to go back to the defence and restart play.
It was the visitors who showed the most intent from open play, with Anastasiya Shlapakova finding some space out wide, but finding Nicole Sciberras ready to deal with the cross. However, the majority of play was stalled in a heavily stop-start affair under referee Sara Telek’s direction.
The goalkeepers Giulia D’Antuono and Maryia Svidunovich were showing their composure in the air with neither untroubled by deliveries, and Malta’s defence mostly doing its job to keep things tidy. However, Belarus was firmly controlling the majority of possession, pinning Malta into their half.
Malta’s medical team was on full duty with Haley Bugeja and Maya Lucia both needing treatment, as Belarus looked to show their lack of intimidation from the hosts. However, Malta did manage to register a first real shot through Maria Farrugia in the 41st minute. The forward delivered a left-footed effort toward the right post, with Maryia Svidunovich shifting well to cover the post, before Haley Bugeja fired with venom from the other wing moments later. However, that shot lacked the dip to trouble the goal.
Belarus’ sporadic support found a strong voice in injury time, with the visitors responding to the call. Anastasiya Shlapakova darted into the box firing and outside footed effort, but Giulia D’Antuono was alert at the near post.
Half-Time Score: Malta 0 – 0 Belarus
The match was brought to life in the second half, with Belarus earning themselves a goal to complement their efforts. Zaryna Kapustsina crossed from the wing, targeting Melana Surautsava at the near post who slotted between the centre-backs. Giulia D’Antuono got something ball, but it fell kindly for Anastasiya Shlapakova who tapped it home into the right side of the net in the 54th minute.
Malta’s Manuela Tesse reacted shortly after with the first change in her full-backs. Maya Lucia gave way to Emma Xuereb, with Stephania Farrugia slotting to the right as Xuereb occupied the left.
Malta defended a corner from Belarus before looking to find some forward momentum. Maria Farrugia drove forward on the wing, with the official Sara Telek playing the advantage. Shona Zammit picked it up looking to find Kailey Willis in the box. However, Aryna Sitnikava recovered possession in the box. At the other end, Malta appeared tense as Manuela Tesse dished out instructions to the defensive unit.
Malta gave the home faithful something to cheer for as they managed to break through the lines with a rare combination of football on the right. Emma Lipman linked with Rachel Cuschieri, who first-timed it to Stephania Farrugia. Maria Farrugia was found on the wing with the forward earning the corner. However, the short routine was half-hearted and thwarted effectively by Belarus who were keen on the counter, only for Haley Bugeja tracking back to deny them.
Changes ensued from Belarus with Anastasiya Kavaliova and Viktoryia Valiuk replacing Karyna Alkhovik and Hanna Siniauskaya for Belarus, before Nastassia Shuppo and Alina Charlionak also replaced Anastasiya Shlapakova and Melana Surautsava.
Malta’s Gabriella Zahra took to the pitch for the final time in Malta’s shirt in the 83rd minute, with Emma Lipman placing the armband on the veteran in her final appearance. She replaced Nicole Sciberras.
Shona Zammit also gave way to Yulya Carella in midfield, with Malta making one last drive for a late equaliser. Anastasiya Maher gave way to Darya Harshkova as Belarus looked to eek out the minutes from the clock.
Gabriella Zahra was almost on the money for a spectacular end with Maria Farrugia driving a corner into the six-yard box and Malta’s number two rising high to meet it. However, Maryia Svidunovich was well placed and reacted well to make the save.
The match had a bizarre end with Maria Farrugia driving into the box and asking for a penalty as the challenge came in from Nastasia Shuppo, with Sara Telek giving her the get-up. Belarus responded with a launched ball from Anastasiya Linnik shortly after, who found Anastasiya Kavaliova behind the defensive line. However, Stephania Farrugia’s last challenge was deemed a foul with Telek pointing to the spot.
In a penalty that was ordered to be re-taken three times by the officials, Nastassia Shuppo and Giulia D’Antuono had their own internal contest. D’Antuono saved the first and second on her right, before Shuppo switched direction. D’Antuono got a hand on it, but not enough to deny Belarus a second goal to wrap the match.
Final Score: Malta 0 – 2 Belarus
Next Match
The two teams will meet again on Tuesday at the same Centenary Stadium, with kick-off set at 19:00. Tickets are available online and the match will also be broadcast on the Malta FA Youtube channel.
Malta’s U17s will also be playing a friendly against Romania today, with kick-off set at 12:00 in the Buftea National Football Centre. The match will be live-streamed here.
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
1 Response
[…] and Belarus finished their first friendly of the week in a 2 – 0 victory for the visitors. Malta’s coach Manuela Tesse rejected that her side was too defensive, simply recognising the […]