The Malta women’s national team will resume its commitments in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifications as they will face Montenegro (rank 72) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (rank 61). On November 26, Malta will host Montenegro at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 7pm). Following this game, Mark Gatt’s side will travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina where they will cross swords with the home nation on November 30 (kick-off: 1pm).
For this double-header, coach Gatt called up 24 players that will form the national team.
While he kept faith with most of the players that formed the team in the previous international window, Gatt has also welcomed back some important players namely goalkeeper Janice Xuereb and forward Haley Bugeja who were absent in the latest games due to an injury.
Xuereb will be joining the goalkeepers’ department composed by Mġarr United’s Patricia Ebejer, who played in Malta’s last three games, and Jodie Attard of Swieqi United.
In the defensive department, Maltese league leaders Birkirkara are represented by Stephania Farrugia, Ann-Marie Said, Gabriella Zahra and Charlene Zammit. Mġarr, who share the league’s top spot with Birkirkara, have defender Maia Debono picked up. Swieqi have three players namely Jessica Dimech, Jade Flask and Jade Schembri whereas Nicole Sciberras of Italian side Tavagnacco is the only foreign-based defender.
Italy-based duo Emma Lipman (Como Women) and Rachel Cuschieri (Lazio Women) join the midfielders alongside Alishia Sultana and Veronique Mifsud of Birkirkara, and Swieqi’s trio – Emma Xuereb, Shona Zammit and Dorianne Theuma.
Upfront, the returning Bugeja of Sassuolo will be joined by her former Mġarr team mates Brenda Borg and Francesca Chircop. Maria Farrugia (Sunderland Ladies) and Ylenia Carabott (Keynsham Town Ladies), who both play in England, are also in the squad.
Malta is at the back of a historic 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan last month, as they are now sitting fourth with four points. The previous point was gained in the 2-2 fightback against Bosnia-Herzegovina in September.
Montenegro sit third on six points after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina and Azerbaijan.
For ticket information regarding Malta vs Montenegro, check this link: https://www.mfa.com.mt/en/news/news/5071/wwc2023—tickets-are-out-for-the-match-vs-montenegro.htm.
SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS
Janice Xuereb (Birkirkara); Patricia Ebejer (Mġarr United); Jodie Attard (Swieqi United).
DEFENDERS
Maia Debono (Mġarr United); Jessica Dimech, Jade Flask, Jade Schembri (Swieqi United); Stephania Farrugia, Ann-Marie Said, Gabriella Zahra, Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara); Nicole Sciberras (Tavagnacco, Italy).
MIDFIELDERS
Alishia Sultana, Veronique Mifsud (Birkirkara); Emma Xuereb, Shona Zammit, Dorianne Theuma (Swieqi United); Emma Lipman (Como Women, Italy); Rachel Cuschieri (Lazio, Italy).
FORWARDS
Brenda Borg, Francesca Chircop (Mġarr United); Haley Bugeja (Sassuolo, Italy); Ylenia Carabott (Keynsham Town Ladies, England); Maria Farrugia (Sunderland Ladies, England).
