Malta Women’s National Team head coach Manuela Tesse has named her final 24-player squad for the international friendly against Luxembourg, to be played at the Centenary Stadium on Friday 9 October. Kick-off is at 19:00.
The fixture forms part of Malta’s preparations for next year’s UEFA Women’s Nations League, with the team set to compete in League C. The draw in November will determine Malta’s opponents.
Tesse’s selection brings together experienced internationals and younger players, providing an opportunity to assess the squad and continue developing the team ahead of the next competitive campaign. Speaking ahead of the friendly, Tesse highlighted the importance of giving younger players opportunities while retaining the experience and leadership of the senior members, who have a key role in supporting the next generation.
Captain Emma Lipman welcomed the opportunity to reunite with her teammates after a lengthy break from international football.
“It feels good to finally come together again after a long international break. So many of the girls are performing well with their clubs, so I’m hoping for a positive camp, with plenty of opportunities to work on the things we didn’t quite get right in our last Nations League campaign.”
Looking ahead to Friday’s encounter, she added: “Luxembourg have also improved a lot, so this will be a good challenge for us. It should make for an exciting game.”
Final squad
Goalkeepers
Maya Cachia (Hibernians FC), Raisa Costantino (Orobica Calcio Bergamo – ITA), Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr United FC).
Defenders
Fiona Buttigieg (London Bees – ENG), Leanne Cefai (Mġarr United FC), Jessica Lee Dimech (Hibernians FC), Alexandra Gatt (FC Pinzgau Saalfelden – AUT), Emma Lipman (Valletta FC), Georgiana Mifsud (Valletta FC), Valentina Rapa (Swieqi United FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United FC).
Midfielders
Jana Barbara (1. FFC Recklinghausen – GER), Brenda Borg (Valletta FC), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa CFC – ITA), Maia Debono (Mġarr United FC), Ema Micallef (Swieqi United FC), Nicole Sciberras (Swieqi United FC).
Forwards
Haley Bugeja (Inter Women – ITA), Yulya Carella (Mġarr United FC), Nyorah Celeste (Hibernians FC), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City Women – ENG), Jade Flask (Swieqi United FC), Sara Saliba (Swieqi United FC), Kailey Willis (Chievo Verona Women – ITA).