Malta’s women’s Under-19 national team concluded their UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship qualifying campaign on a positive note after coming from behind to defeat Kazakhstan 3-1 at the Centenary Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Crista Chetcuti Ganado struck twice in the second half after Amy Catania had cancelled out Kazakhstan’s early opener, securing an impressive victory for Melania Bajada’s side.

The result saw Malta finish third in Group B6 with four points, level with Romania, while Czechia topped the group and Kazakhstan finished bottom.

Kazakhstan made the brighter start and took the lead after just six minutes when Angelina Oster found space outside the penalty area and unleashed a half-volley that beat Malta goalkeeper Maya Muscat.

Despite the early setback, Malta gradually settled into the match and began to create opportunities.

In the 14th minute, Nina-Lee Naudi came close to equalising when she connected with a deep corner, but her effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Shortly afterwards, Kay Axiak picked out Lisa Calleja on the edge of the penalty area, but the latter’s powerful left-footed strike went wide.

Malta’s persistence was rewarded five minutes before half-time when Olivia Nazarko delivered an inviting corner into the Kazakhstan penalty area, where Catania rose to head the ball into the net and restore parity.

The Maltese maintained their attacking momentum after the interval and almost took the lead immediately when Catania, operating in a more advanced position, cut inside from the left before forcing Kazakhstan goalkeeper Sabina Ussen into a save.

Malta completed their comeback in the 52nd minute when Axiak released Chetcuti Ganado down the left flank. The forward cut inside, wrongfooted the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball home to put Malta ahead.

Kazakhstan almost responded immediately when Oster capitalised on hesitation in the Maltese defence, but Muscat produced an excellent save to preserve her team’s advantage.

That intervention proved crucial as Malta extended their lead in the 58th minute through another fine individual effort from Chetcuti Ganado.

The Maltese forward once again advanced from the left before striking a right-footed effort which hit the upright and rebounded into the net, completing her brace and giving Malta a two-goal cushion.

With their confidence growing, Malta controlled the remainder of the encounter, keeping Kazakhstan largely confined to their own half and preventing their opponents from mounting a serious comeback.

The victory provided an encouraging conclusion to Malta’s qualifying commitments, with Bajada’s players demonstrating character and attacking quality after recovering from an early deficit.

Match details

UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship Qualifier – Group B6

Kazakhstan 1–3 Malta

Half-time: 1–1

Date: Monday, 12 October 2026

Venue: Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali

Scorers: Angelina Oster 6′ (Kazakhstan); Amy Catania 40′, Crista Chetcuti Ganado 52′, 58′ (Malta).

Kazakhstan: Sabina Ussen (Stella Baburchina-Luklyanets 61′); Aiya Muttari, Ramina Omarova, Zhaniya Makhash (Aidana Baizhanova), Angelina Oster (Yelizaveta Medvedeva 61′), Aru Yermagambetova (captain), Aminat Bigozhina (Kristina Zammit 83′), Varvara Tsoy, Ayaulym Baisseit (Ayaulym Talgat 67′), Shaknoza Kholbayeva, Shakhzoda Kholbayeva (Tomiris Maxim 46′).

Coach: Xeniya Postovaya.

Malta: Maya Muscat; Amy Catania, Krista Sacco (Edeson Grixti 46′), Madison Grace Cachia, Lisa Calleja (Gloria Cassar 55′), Crista Chetcuti Ganado, Kay Axiak (Somaya Muscat 90′), Thais Muscat, Nina-Lee Naudi (captain), Alanah Ghio, Olivia Nazarko (Yasmine Ghenam 90′).

Coach: Melania Bajada.

Referee: Melek Dakan (Turkey).

Yellow cards: Shakhzoda Kholbayeva, Aidana Baizhanova (Kazakhstan).