Malta Women’s National Team Head Coach Manuela Tesse has finalised the 24-player squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Belarus, as the team continues its preparations for next year’s European Qualification campaign in League B.
The first match will be played at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, on Saturday, 25 October, 2025, kicking off at 19:30, while the second of the scheduled friendlies is on Tuesday, 28 October, 2025, starting at 19:00. Tickets for both matches are available from the Malta FA tickets portal. The two matches will also be live on the Malta FA YouTube channel.
From the provisional squad named earlier this week, foreign-based players Jana Barbara and Fiona Buttigieg have been ruled out after sustaining an injury.
Tesse’s 24-strong selection features several experienced players, including eight based abroad, and a host of exciting youngsters who are being given more opportunities to improve and establish themselves at senior level.
The friendlies against Belarus will serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming 2026 European Qualification campaign, allowing the coaching staff to assess player form, refine tactical approaches, and strengthen team unity ahead of the League B draw scheduled for November.
Head Coach emphasised the importance of maintaining focus and consistency following Malta’s promotion earlier this year, highlighting the team’s ambition to continue its positive trajectory.
As announced earlier this week, the women’s national team coaching set-up has been further strengthened with the appointment of Patrizia Panico as Technical Advisor. A highly respected figure in European football, Panico brings with her a wealth of international experience and technical expertise that will further enhance the team’s development framework. The same can be said of Herman Bugeja who has taken up the role of Assistant Coach, joining Tesse in leading the squad’s preparations and competitive strategy.
The 24-player squad selected by Coach Tesse is as follows:
Goalkeepers
Maya Cachia (Hibernians FC), Giulia D’Antuono (Mgarr United), Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United FC),
Defenders
Rebecca Bajada (Mgarr United), Leanne Cefai (Mgarr United), Tammy Falzon (Swieqi United), Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara FC), Alexandra Gatt (Hull City Ladies, England), Oceane Grange (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Emma Lipman (Genoa FC, Italy), Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies FC Cyprus), Georgiana Mifsud (Hibernians FC), Valentina Rapa (Swieqi United), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United)
Midfielders
Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa FC, Italy), Amber Grech (Mgarr United), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United)
Forwards
Leah Ayres (Hibernians FC), Haley Bugeja (Inter FC, Italy), Yulya Carella (Mgarr United), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City, England), Kailey Willis (ACF Brescia Calcio Femminile, Italy)