Malta face Georgia at the Centenary Stadium tomorrow (Tuesday) in the second match of back-to-back fixtures, looking to build on last week’s away victory to stay in the hunt for promotion and potentially top spot in Group C2 of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
The Malta girls produced an impressive first-half display in Tbilisi last Friday, with Maria Farrugia netting a brace and Haley Bugeja adding another. Despite failing to extend their lead in the second half, Malta held on for the victory, as Georgia pulled one back after a defensive mistake and then converted a stoppage-time penalty.
Malta Coach Manuela Tesse predicts a tough match on Tuesday against a well-organised Georgia, pointing at the threat posed by their talented striker Teona Bakradze. However, Tesse believes playing on home soil will provide a significant boost.
“Playing at home is always an advantage because we have the support of our fans and that gives us extra motivation,” the Italian coach said.
In terms of team news, Malta captain Emma Lipman is not available as she serves a one-match suspension after picking up a second yellow in the competition but Charlene Zammit returns after missing the away win against Georgia due to suspension.
Currently, Malta sits on six points in the group, trailing leaders Cyprus by just one point with the latter having only managed a home draw against Andorra. With three matches remaining, Malta are determined to maintain the positive momentum and replicate the success from the first edition of the Nations League.
