Malta’s Women Write New Chapter In The National Stadium As Haley Bugeja’s Lone Goal Enough To Seal Win Against Cyprus

Malta secured a 1 – 0 victory over Cyprus to clinch promotion back to League B with one match to spare in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Haley Bugeja fired the hosts in front, before a unified defensive display ensured a first win and clean sheet for Malta’s women at the National Stadium in front of a record crowd for women’s football in Malta.

Team Selections

Janice Xuereb started in goal for Malta, behind the defensive quartet of Maya Lucia, captain Emma Lipman, Oceane Grange and Emma Xuereb. Nicole Sciberras started in midfield in the company of Rachel Cuschieri and Shona Zammit. Kailey Willis spearheaded the attack, flanked by Haley Bugeja and Maria Farrugia.

Meanwhile, Maria Matthaiou started in goal for Cyprus. Sara Papadopoulou partnered Andrea Cusick in the heart of the defence, flanked by Chryso Michael and Marilena Georgiou. Elena Arisodimou and captain Filippa Savva started with Maria Panagiotou in midfield. Antri Violari led the attack, supported by Marilia Constantinou and Chara Charalambous.

How It Unfolded

The crowd flocked into the National Stadium with a predominantly home support expectant of what could be a historic night in more than one way. The home side started with early opportunities as Maria Farrugia darted to the byline to drive a low cross that Cyprus cleared, before the visitors’ defense was also alert to a free-kick delivery from midfield.

Cyprus responded with an opportunity of their own as Elena Aristodimou curled a pass behind the defence. However, Janice Xuereb rushed out to get the initial block, before Emma Lipman blocked the second effort.

The home side reverted with darts by Maria Farrugia and Haley Bugeja, both finding Kailey Willis ready to play the combination. However, the home side lacked control in possession, with Cyprus gaining confidence to drive forward. Maya Lucia blocked a shot by Chara Charalambous, before Janice Xuereb collected the pieces, with the home faithful growing tense.

However, the home crowd were given a strong injection as Haley Bugeja released Rachel Cuschieri who sped behind the defence. The veteran attempted to find the far left corner but was just wide with the finish. Still the chance invigorated the side. The midfield trio continued to be at the heart of things, with Nicole Sciberras winning the ball back, before finding Rachel Cuschieri. She found Shona Zammit’s run behind but the finish was skewed wide.

Cyprus returned fire with a corner delivery that Janice Xuereb punched out. However, Elena Aristomidou rattled the crossbar with the rebound, sending warnings to the hosts in the 39th minute.

Haley Bugeja responded with aplomb. The forward made an individual forward surge before opening up the space for the shot and curling a left-footed effort into the far left corner of the net, sending the home crowd on their feet and the Malta bench in jubilation.

The hosts attempted to double up the score before half-time, with successive corners. However, Emma Lipman’s effort was palmed over the bar by Maria Matthaiou before the Cypriot defence continued to show its discipline against the second. Filippa Savva was hard at work to deny a cut-back from Rachel Cuschieri just before the half-time whistle.

There were no changes at the break, with Malta picking up where they left off, driving forward in search for a second goal. Emma Xuereb made a clean surge but overcooked the pass to release Kailey Willis. The hosts managed to create another major opportunity as Kailey Willis cut-back to Haley Bugeja whose effort was deflected, before Shona Zammit fired just over the roof of the net.

Cyprus responded with attempts from set-pieces, but found Janice Xuereb ready to palm out the delivery, before Oceane Grange and Emma Lipman towered against aerial further deliveries. Malta’s captain was quick to block an attempt from Antri Violari, before Maria Farrugia’s attempt was palmed into the crossbar at the other end by Maria Matthaiou following another dangerous forward run.

Renos Demetriades looked to his bench bringing on Korina Adamou, Efthalia Siakalli and Antriana Tsoukka in search of piling pressure for the equaliser. The side threathened with an earlier delivery which Janice Xuereb palmed but needed a further clearance from Emma Lipman. However, the pressure was relieved as the goalkeeper was deemed to have been fouled in the action.

Demetriades injected further changes, bringing on Loucretia Chrysostomou and Anna Matsoukari as the Cypriot side switched to a back-three with wing-backs pushed high as they chased the score.

However, Malta saw away a corner delivery with a finish fired over the net. Manuela Tesse made just one change in injury time, bringing on Leah Ayres instead of Haley Bugeja. The attacker relieved pressure by winning a free-kick, with the crowd backing them in search of holding on for the victory.

A final throw of the dice was made at either end as Kailey Willis ran behind before crossing toward Maria Farrugia. However, Cyprus’ defence was ready to intercept before sending the team forward. Antri Violari headed down the ball for Antriana Tsoukka to fire first time. However, the effort fizzed just wide of the top left corner.

Referee Sabina Bolic blew the full-time whistle to the roar of the record home crowd of 1,205 spectators, with fireworks painting the sky confirming a return to League B for the Maltese women, a first victory in the National Stadium and a first clean sheet.

Final Score: Malta 1 – 0 Cyprus

Standings & Final Matchday

Malta become unreachable at the top of group C2 on twelve points confirming a return to League B, while Cyprus remain second on seven points. Georgia beat Andorra by 2 – 1 to keep the pressure on Cyprus for second place (Georgia 6, Andorra 4 points).

Malta will next travel to Andorra, whom they meet on the 3rd of June, while Cyprus travel to Georgia for a direct confrontation in search of clinching second and retain the chance to go to League B.

Lead Image: Brandon Bonett

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