Maltese girls slip to third defeat in Slovenia

Slovenia scored twice in the opening half to secure a 2-0 win over Malta in their final match from the Euro Women’s U-17 Championship Group 11 qualifiers in Kranj. With this win, Slovenia are expected to gain a place in the elite round as one of the best five third-placed teams in the qualifying round. The Maltese girls turned in a commendable display but left themselves with too much to do after falling two goals down by the 35th minute. The Slovenians, who hosted the tournament, took time to find their rhythm but once they did, they forged ahead through Ana Milovic on 25 minutes.  Vita Zolek wrapped up the win 10 minutes later. Malta finished bottom of the group with no points, having also lost their first two matches against Italy and Finland who also made it through to the next round. Italy and Finland drew 1-1 in their last match, meaning that they also finished their commitments with five points along with Slovenia. MALTA LINE-UPSarah Zarb, Valentina Rapa, Nicole Sciberras, Celeste Grech, Angelique Schembri (Demi Magrin 80), Maia Melanie Debono, Maria Farrugia, Amy Busuttil, Samantha Zarb (Michela Bonello Ghio 67), Jessica Lee Dimech (Chloe Ann Ellul 79), Nicole Zammit.