Clinical Malta WU19 secure second international friendly victory over Saudi Arabia

Photos by Owen Damato - Malta FA

WOMEN'S UNDER-19 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Centenary Stadium, 06.06.2026

MALTA...3
SAUDI ARABIA...0

20' Lisa Calleja (MLT), 45+2' Gloria Cassar (MLT), 63' Kay Axiak (MLT)

The Malta Women's Under-19 National Team registered their second victory in as many matches against Saudi Arabia after another solid display on Saturday afternoon.

In this second international friendly, Malta’s WU19 team were looking for a repeat performance in which they eased past Saudi Arabia last Wednesday. As expected, Malta started well and had a good opportunity after just five minutes when Amy Catania went on a rampaging run in the box with her effort saved by Dima Shaikh.

Photo by Owen Damato - Malta FA

After a period of rather slow play in the wilting heat, Malta finally went ahead after 20 minutes. Lisa Calleja got possession just outside the box and curled a fine effort into the top corner. Minutes later it was almost 2-0 when Catania had a strong shot that was acrobatically tipped over by Shaikh.

In first-half stoppage time Malta doubled after some good work on the left by Catania who crossed over into the penalty area with Gloria Cassar being alert and stabbing home.

Photo by Owen Damato - Malta FA

The second half started rather calmly although Malta made it 3-0 on 63 minutes with a superb effort by Kay Axiak to practically close off the encounter. The rest of the match was a quiet affair with the hosts controlling the match with ease and registering their second comfortable victory.

Malta
Maya Muscat (Raisa Magro, 72’), Amy Catania, Amber Galea, Olivia Nazarko, Lisa Calleja (Somaya Muscat, 78’), Madison Grace Cachia, Kay Axiak, Alanah Ghio (Yasmine Ghenam, 46'), Lara May Azzopardi, Edeson Grixti (Thais Muscat, 46’), Gloria Cassar (Alys Faye Lucy Wilson, 46’)
Coach: Melania Bajada

Saudi Arabia
Dima Shaikh, Layan Amir, Aseel Ahmed, Lulu Abdallah, Zahra Talib, Lareen Basonyi (Lina Eed, 46’), Lamar Wael, Lama Thmair, Mwaddah Almaghrabi, Tulin Alghamdi, Maha Albadrani (Saba Alyaha, 46’)
Coach: Xavier Vilamala

Referee: Jo-Anna Vassallo