by Cyprus edged out Malta by 2 – 1 in the UEFA Women’s Nations League opener. Antri Violari and Marilia Constantinou put Cyprus in a comfortable lead in the opening half. Malta earned an early goal in the second half with a forced own goal, but the side could not complete the comeback. Both sides also struck the post in the match.
Team Selections
Cyprus’ Renos Demetriades trusted Maria Matthaiou in goal. She was protected by a four-piece defence with Chryso Michael and Marilena Georgiou on the flanks, while Andrea Cusick and Sara Papadopoulou started in the centre of the defence. Maria Panagiotou orchesterated in midfield, supported by Filippa Savva and Chara Charalambous. Erini Michail and Marilia Constantinou offered the width to Antri Violari in attack.
Meanwhile, Malta’s Manuela Tesse welcomed back first-choice goalkeeper Janice Xuereb in goal in a first return since April from injury. Captain Emma Lipman started alongside Charlene Zammit in defence, with Maya Lucia and Emma Xuereb operating as full-backs. Rachel Cuschieri started in a midfield trio with Shona Zammit and Nicole Sciberras. Maria Farrugia and Haley Bugeja offered the width to Kailey Willis in attack.
How It Unfolded
Cyprus made home advantage pay off with a strong first-half in which they dominated the majority of possession.
Although the visitors had a good break early on with Haley Bugeja and Maria Farrugia working it between them, the Maltese side generally struggled to play out from the high press early on.
Emma Lipman made a crucial tackle in the 9th minute to deny Antri Violari space for the strike. However, the first real warning shot came just a minute later as the Cypriot striker rose to head a free-kick delivery by Maria Panagiotou, which fizzed just wide.
Malta survived another free-kick shortly after with Haley Bugeja heading out, before Maria Farrugia and Haley Bugeja were on the trot once more shortly after. Rachel Cuschieri was roped in to deliver the cross. Sara Papadopoulou made the first contact, before Maria Farrugia’s left-footed effort lacked the power to trouble Maria Matthaiou in goal.
The visitors were boldened by the opportunity with a real chance as Maria Farrugia crossed toward Kailey Willis who just got enough of a touch in the six-yard box to force a save from Maria Matthaiou once more.
However, the Cypriots responded with another warning of their own, with a short corner routine. It led to a final delivery toward Antri Violari, who this time struck the post with the header.
There were further alarm bells for Malta as Erini Michail latched onto a loose back pass to run free on goal. However, Janice Xuereb did just enough to meet her before Maya Lucia cleared.
The score hung in the balance, with Cyprus earning another corner opportunity, against which Malta looked to capitalise on in the break. Maria Farrugia surged with the ball, finding Rachel Cuschieri to make the run in support, but Malta lacked the supporting numbers to make it pay off.
Having sounded the alarm bells, Cyprus had some luck on their side to break the deadlock. Janice Xuereb’s clearance ricocheted into Antri Violari and straight into the back of the net, opening the scoring in the 33rd minute.
The home team doubled their lead in the 38th minute from a free-kick. This time Maria Panagiotou delivered toward Marilia Constantinou, with the header fizzing into the top of the net over Janice Xuereb.
The Cypriots were not done yet and looked for more, earning another chance as Marilia Constantinou opened the space for the shot. However, this time it fizzed on the wrong side of the post.
Malta came close to halving the deficit just before the break as Maria Farrugia intercepted possession in midfield. The number ten surged forward finding Rachel Cuschieri in support once more. This time, Shona Zammit made the run in the box, but could not get enough of a touch on the full stretch, seeing the ball clip the right post.
Half-Time Score: Cyprus 2 – 0 Malta
Malta’s Manuela Tesse injected pace into the attack at half-time, bringing on Alishia Cassar instead of Kailey Willis in attack.
The visitors’ pressure paid off as the side managed to put themselves on the scoreboard. Haley Bugeja breached the defence, playing a square ball from close range targeted for a tap in fromAlishia Cassar, only for Sara Papadopoulou to side-foot it into her own net under the pressure.
Malta pushed high up the pitch, ramping up the speed of play and keen on being first to the ball. Emma Xuereb and Maya Lucia were pressing high up the pitch, while Rachel Cuschieri was zipping around the field, looking to create something for the side. However, although Malta improved the numbers in the box, the Cypriot defence was calm in getting to the ball in the box.
Seeing his team increasingly overrun in midfield, Renos Demetriades made a double switch just after the hour mark, bringing on Korina Adamou and Andria Efstratiou in replacement of Marilia Constantinou and Chara Charalambous.
Malta continued to press high, with Emily Heaslip dipping into her pocket to dish out several bookings toward both sides as the half wore on.
The Maltese side continued pushing in attack, but struggling to find space for the shot. However, Rachel Cuschieri and Haley Bugeja combined once more for the latter to strike across goal in the 75th minute to inject more belief into the side. The shot curled out from the far post.
More changes ensued as the final ten minutes approached. Cyprus’ Efthalia Siakalli and Maria Astaniou replaced Chryso Michael and Maria Panagiotou. Steffi Hardy came on for Andrea Cusick late on. Meanwhile, Fiona Buttigieg debuted at left back instead of Emma Xuereb for Malta. Lexine Farrugia was Manuela Tesse’s final introduction, replacing Nicole Sciberras as the visitors put all hands to the pump for the equaliser.
The home side was keen on managing the time, while Malta attempted to beat them back at their game as Maria Farrugia earned more free-kicks for the team. The forward earned the team a chance for a direct strike just outside the box. Lexine Farrugia stepped up but the wall did its job, before Maria Farrugia was brought down with no attempt for the ball once more just seconds later. The free-kick was hung by Rachel Cuschieri but headed out by the Cypriot defence.
Cyprus countered with a final attack, earning themselves a chance to bury the match with a direct free-kick of their own. Filippa Savva struck toward the far right post but overcooked the shot which fizzed off target. However, it did not matter as Emily Heaslip blew the whistle a few seconds later, confirming the victory.
Final Score: Cyprus 2 – 1 Malta
Standings & Next Matches
Cyprus and Georgia lead Group C2 following their 2-1 victories over Malta and Andorra, respectively. The two sides will meet in Cyprus on Tuesday for a direct confrontation at 18:00 CET in the same stadium, before Malta welcome Andorra at 19:30 at the Centenary Stadium. Tickets for the latter match may be purchased online.
Lead Image: Cyprus FA
Make sure to never miss an Assikura Women’s League match by syncing your calendar here.
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
