Maltese draws 2-2 in final match against Lithuania

Women’s football

The Malta women’s team showed admirable resilience as they twice came back from a goal down to draw 2-2 with Lithuania in their final match at the Aphrodite Cup yesterday.

Led by coach Mark Gatt, the Maltese girls stayed unbeaten in this tournament after beating hosts Cyprus 1-0 on Thursday and drawing 0-0 with Estonia in the opening match.

In yesterday’s game, Malta set the early pace but were unlucky not to take the lead when captain Dorianne Theuma’s effort came off the woodwork.

It was Lithuania who opened the scoring but Theuma equalised after the change of ends.

Lithuania, who lost their games against Estonia and Cyprus, regained the lead but Malta’s efforts produced an equaliser 17 minutes from time as Theuma’s free-kick was deflected into the net by a Lithuanian player.

Cyprus are playing Estonia in the tournament’s final match.

Gatt had nothing but praise for his players’ commitment and performances in Limassol.

“Our targets going into this tournament were to play competitive games to enhance our players’ match sharpness, give the younger members of the squad more playing time and for the entire group to spend time together,” the Malta women’s coach said.

“These objectives have been reached as we had a very positive tournament. The players gave their all, they showed commitment and character, and I’m very pleased.

“The matches we played here also helped us to prepare for the two friendlies against Romania next month.

“I want to thank my coaching staff, assistant coach Frank Schembri, physical trainer Karl Attard and goalkeepers’ coach Roger Camilleri, as well as the medical team for their excellent work.”

Malta were without Maria Farrugia for today’s match as the young forward returned to England ahead of her club commitments with Sunderland AFC Ladies.

Malta: Janice Xuereb, Nicole Sciberras, Jade Flask, Stephania Farrugia, Dorianne Theuma, Brenda Borg, Kayleigh Chetcuti, Martina Borg, Shona Zammit, Alishia Sultana, Charlene Zammit.