On the eve of the first of two decisive matches, Malta women’s national team head coach Manuela Tesse and her players are embracing what could turn out to be a landmark moment for women’s football in Malta.

Currently top of the table in League C Group 1, the women’s national team is relishing this exceptional start to this campaign. Winning all four of the matches played, on maximum points, and maintaining a clean sheet in all four, netting a total of eleven goals, eight of which were scored by Inter forward Haley Bugeja.

On Friday, Malta face Moldova at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau, kick-off at 15:00.

Malta already faced Moldova at home, winning 2-0. 

Coach Tesse is aware that the game on Friday will be a somewhat different scenario, with Moldova stronger when playing on home soil, moreover, the weather conditions are unfamiliar for the Maltese players with close to sub-zero temperatures in the Eastern European country.

On Wednesday, the Malta Women’s Team executed the first drill in Moldova and was forced to change the venue due to the grass pitch still being cleared of snow after an unexpected snowstorm hitting Moldova over the previous days.

Speaking about Friday’s game, Manuela Tesse said she believes the Maltese players are ready to fight for this promotion, fully aware of the importance of her players being well-prepared mentally for this task ahead that could easily end up with a historic outcome.

Moldova is currently at the bottom of the group, having chalked up only one point in a draw against Latvia. 

Coach Tesse however believes that the Moldavan team has improved a lot since their first game in September, being now more tactically prepared, with a couple of players who have technique in their feet, together with strong leadership skills to propel the rest of the team to success.

Moldova v Malta will be broadcast live on TVMnews+.