Malta lose to Northern Ireland in third straight defeat in women’s World Cup qualifiers

NORTHERN IRELAND 4-0 MALTA
Halliday 5, 52; Andrews 17; Maxwell 60

The result leaves Malta rooted to the bottom of the group with no points and a goal difference of -10, an outcome that significantly damages their hopes of retaining their place in League C.

Malta will have an immediate opportunity to respond as they face Northern Ireland, currently ranked 50th in the world, once again this Saturday, in what now becomes a crucial opportunity to halt a run of poor results and restore some momentum.

Manuela Tesse opted for a bold reshuffle in this match, introducing Shona Zammit in an unfamiliar fullback role, despite her usual position in midfield. Jade Flask, earning her 70th cap, was pushed further forward onto the wing, joining Haley Bugeja – who sits just two goals shy of the all-time scoring record held by Dorianne Theuma – and Maria Farrugia in attack.

Tesse was also forced into adjustments due to the absence of young Roma U-19 player Lexine Farrugia, who suffered a serious knee injury during a training session in Northern Ireland and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. 

There was, however, a welcome return for Rachel Cuschieri, the Genoa midfielder, who rejoined the squad after missing the previous window through injury. She now stands six appearances away from equalling Theuma’s all-time record.

Disciplinary concerns also loomed over the Maltese squad. Captain Emma Lipman, Nicole Sciberras, Jade Flask, starting goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono, and substitutes Emma Xuereb and Yulya Carella were all one booking away from suspension.

On the other side, Northern Ireland’s new coach Michael McArdle named an experienced lineup, featuring Bristol City goalkeeper Jackie Burns, Birmingham defender Rebecca Holloway, and Hearts forward Lauren Wade. 

Malta’s task became difficult early on. Just five minutes in, Keri Halliday opened the scoring with her first-ever international goal for Northern Ireland. The hosts maintained their momentum and doubled their lead in the 17th minute, as Joely Andrews converted from close range after meeting a precise cross from Halliday.

Malta attempted to respond, with Rachel Cuschieri seeing her effort blocked before Brenda Borg fired a tame shot wide. 

Northern Ireland, however, remained in control. Ellie Mason came close with a strike that drifted just past the post, while both Halliday and Andrews saw consecutive efforts denied by the Maltese defence. Lauren Wade also tried her luck from distance, but her shot sailed over the bar.

At the start of the second half, Manuela Tesse opted to stick with her starting eleven, showing trust in the players despite the difficult first half.

However, Keri Halliday continued her standout performance, extending Northern Ireland’s lead by finishing confidently at the far post, beating Giulia D’Antuono once again.

Malta looked for a response, coming closest through Jade Flask, whose header was well dealt with by Jackie Burns. Soon after, Haley Bugeja produced a moment of quality, curling an effort that crashed against the crossbar.

That near miss proved costly. From the resulting transition, Danielle Maxwell capitalised to score Northern Ireland’s fourth, punishing Malta’s inability to convert their chances.

The woodwork denied Malta yet again moments later, this time through Maria Farrugia, as frustration continued to build. Tesse then turned to her bench, introducing Kailey Willis and Alexandra Gatt in an attempt to inject fresh energy.

Farrugia later had another opportunity from a free-kick, but her effort sailed over the bar, summing up a difficult and unlucky second half for Malta.

NORTHERN IRELAND
J. Burns; R. McKenna, N. Johnson, R. Holloway (83 C. Hamilton), E. Mason, B. McPartlan (83 B. McPartlan), D. Maxwell (61 C. Howe), M. Bell, J. Andrews, K. Halliday, L. Wade (70 C. Chambers). 

MALTA
G. D’Antuono; Shona Zammit, Oceane Grange, Emma Lipman, Maya Lucia (62 A. Gatt), Nicole Sciberras (62 K. Willis), Brenda Borg, Rachel Cuschieri (78 J. Barbara), Jade Flask (69 L. Ayres), Haley Bugeja, Maria Farrugia.

Referee: Katarzyna Lisiecka-Sęk (Poland FA).

Other result: Switzerland vs Türkiye 3-1.