Watch: Malta striker Haley Bugeja delivers as she closes in on scoring record

On a landmark evening for women’s football in Malta, Haley Bugeja stepped up when it mattered most – again.

The 21-year-old forward scored the only goal of the game as Malta edged Cyprus 1-0 in front of a record crowd at the National Stadium, securing back-to-back promotions in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

It was the first time in two decades that the Malta women’s national team played at Ta’ Qali’s main stadium since 2005, and the historic occasion saw 1,205 fans turn up – a new national attendance record for a women’s football match.

As one of the most high-profile figures in the squad, expectations were naturally high for Bugeja – who now plays her club football with Inter in Italy’s Serie A, after spells at Sassuolo and the Orlando Pride in the United States. She didn’t disappoint.

In the first half, Bugeja delivered a moment of magic with a brilliant solo effort that not only sent the crowd into raptures but also ultimately secured Malta’s ticket to League B of the Nations League.

The goal encapsulated the quality and confidence she brings to this side — a starlet who continues to deliver for her country on the biggest nights.

“Of course I had dreamed of scoring at the National Stadium,” Bugeja said post-match.

“But I didn’t feel pressure. The most important thing was to win and I wanted to give my utmost to deliver – I think I managed to do so. But really, it was everyone on this team who gave their all to reach such a feat.”

Despite her young age, the Cyprus match marked Bugeja’s 40th appearance for Malta, underlining her consistency and importance to the national side over the years.

Her goal was her 24th in a Malta shirt, closing in on national women’s team legend Dorianne Theuma’s all-time record of 26 goals.

Asked about the milestone, Bugeja downplayed the numbers with a smile.

“I don’t think about the statistics, but I know they’re there. It’s cool to reach these numbers at this age,” she said with a grin.

“Maybe Dorianne won’t be too happy?” she joked. “But I’m sure she is – she also coached me, and she knows how much it means to me. What matters most is that my goals help Malta win. Scoring for Malta is always a massive moment.”

Bugeja’s rise continues to be symbolic of the growth of the women’s game in Malta. From scoring at Juventus’ Allianz Stadium and playing at San Siro, to now netting in front of a home record crowd, her milestones reflect a wider transformation.

The path to promotion was not without challenges. Malta had lost their opening game to Cyprus and laboured to a narrow win over Andorra at home. But they bounced back strongly, with two impressive wins over Georgia, before sealing the campaign with a confident performance in the decisive rematch against Cyprus.

“We worked a lot to reach this target,” Bugeja said. “We struggled early on, but then got back on track. Against Cyprus, we were focused – we were thinking about how to win, and we knew we could do it.”

With promotion now secured, Malta will compete in League B of the Nations League – a level higher.

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Andorra vs Malta     19.00