Excitement is building as the Malta Women’s National Team prepare to kick off their UEFA Women’s Nations League Group C2 campaign. Malta face Cyprus away this Friday (kick-off at 18:00, live on TVMSport+), before returning home for a showdown with Andorra on Tuesday at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off at 19:30, live on TVMSport+).
Head coach Manuela Tesse has finalised her 23-player squad for this month’s double assignment. The squad selection reflects Tesse’s intention to strike a balance between experienced players and promising newcomers as Malta look to build on its recent momentum. After an impressive showing in the last Nations League campaign, where they topped Group C1 and earned promotion to League B, the team are eager to make their mark again.
Familiar faces, fresh challenges
Malta have met both Cyprus and Andorra before. The team secured back-to-back wins against Andorra in the first edition of the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while their last meeting with Cyprus was at the 2019 Aphrodite Cup, where they delivered a strong performance.
Rising in the rankings
According to the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, Malta sits at 86th, ahead of Cyprus (122nd) and Andorra (147th). These rankings highlight Malta’s steady progress and growing presence in international women’s football.
New additions to the coaching team
Off the pitch, the Malta Football Association has shown continued faith in Tesse by extending her contract for another four years. She will be supported by new assistant coach Piero Panzanaro and team manager Brendan Tanti, both of whom bring fresh energy and expertise to the squad.
With confidence, continuity, and a desire to achieve success, Malta are ready to take on this new UEFA Women’s Nations League challenge. Fans will be watching closely as they aim to continue their upward journey in European football.
The 23-player squad is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United FC), Janice Xuereb (Birkirkara FC).
DEFENDERS
Rebecca Bajada (Mgarr United FC), Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town Ladies FC, England), Jessica Dimech (Hibernians FC), Oceane Grange (RC Roubaix Wervicq Féminin, France), Emma Lipman (Genoa FC, Italy), Maya Lucia (AP Orlens Gdansk, Poland), Valentina Rapa (Birkirkara FC), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United FC), Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara FC).
MIDFIELDERS
Jana Barbara (FC Schalke 04, Germany), Yulya Carella (Mgarr United FC), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa FC, Italy), Alexandra Gatt (Durham Cestria, England), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians FC), Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United FC).
FORWARDS
Haley Bugeja (FC Internazionale Milano, Italy), Alishia Cassar (Birkirkara FC), Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma Women, Italy), Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United FC, England), Kailey Willis (Venezia FC Femminile, Italy).
