Malta girls make winning start after beating Azerbaijan

The Malta U-17 girls team hit back to beat Azerbaijan 2-1 in their opening match from the UEFA Development tournament which got underway in the Estonian capital Tallinn on Tuesday.  Frank Schembri’s side showed character as they came from a goal down to overcome the Azeris who adopted a physical approach. Azerbaijan forged ahead on 42 minutes but Malta levelled matters six minutes through Kirkop United striker Demi Magrin, on as a substitute, following good work by Maria Farrugia. Three minutes later, the Maltese girls scored what proved to be the winning goal as Valentina Rapa, who had come on in the 41st minute, turned the ball into the net from close in after Farrugia’s effort rebounded off the post. Malta will be in action again on Wednesday as they take on Finland at 14.00. MALTA LINE-UPSarah Zarb, Michela Bonello Ghio (Demi Magrin 33), Maia Debono (Angelique Schembri 56), Jessica Dimech (Valentina Rapa 41), Chloe Ann Ellul, Maria Farrugia, Michela Felice (Amy Busuttil 41), Celeste Grech, Nicole Sciberras, Rohanne Zahra (Nicole Zammit 63), Samantha Zarb (Shakira Bugeja 63).