Malta X1 0 vs Azerbaijan U/19 0

 Gianluca Lia The Maltese Women selection under the guidance of coach Mark Gatt encountered the Azerbaijan Under 19 side on a windy night at the Centenary Stadium. The Azerbaijan side has opted for Malta as their destination for their preparations ahead of their UEFA Under 19 Women’s Euro Elite round where they were drawn against Germany, Poland and Northern Ireland.   The match was played at a very low rhythm with the heavy winds influencing both team’s movements. After 20 minutes of possession, Azerbaijan tried to be dangerous from their set pieces but their efforts went in vain. Malta’s reaction was vulnerable and the away side resumed the play with their continuous possession. On the 38th minute, Mark Gatt’s team had a golden opportunity to forge ahead but Dorianne Theuma missed from the penalty spot. In the second 45 minutes, the Maltese were on fire and they imposed their game from the initial minutes with substitutes Emma Xuereb and Martina Borg being the most dangerous upfront. Following a couple of efforts from Dorianne Theuma and Emma Xuereb, Azerbaigan almost forged ahead when they hit the post directly from corner on the 75th minute. Hibernians’ striker Martina Borg had a couple of efforts in a span of two minutes but she did not manage to capitalize neither with the score remaining at 0-0. Malta and Azerbaijan will cross swords once again next Friday with the match scheduled at 1900hours at the Centenary Stadium. MALTA XI: Janice Xuereb; Gabriella Zahra, Stephania Farrugia, Dorienne Theuma, Ylenia Carabott, Rachel Cuschieri, Antoinette Sammut, Shona Zammit, Jade Flask, Charlene Zammit, Brenda Borg.Coach: Mark Gatt. AZERBAIJAN U19: Aytaj Sharifova; Kamilla Mammadova, Manya Mollayeva, Samara Ortiz, Alina Michaelis, Natalya Rodelgo, Aysun Aliyeva, Malena Ortiz, Nigar Jalilli, Kristina Bakarandze, Gizem Tenekechi.Coach: Patricia Gonzalez.  Referee: Esther Farrugia