Brenda Borg (right) trying to hit a cross for Malta against Latvia. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Malta will feature in League B of the upcoming Women’s Euro 2025 qualifications.
Promotion to League B was Manuela Tesse’s primary task when she took over the Malta women’s national team back in January.
Malta women’s coach Manuela Tesse. Video: Chris Sant Fournier
The former Italy international took this opportunity with both hands as she was aware of the potential that the current squad had, therefore topping the UEFA Women’s Nations League group was imperative.
Moreover, this national team was at the back of two historic campaigns under previous coach Mark Gatt – a record of 10 points in the Women’s Euro 2022 qualifications and a record of 7 points in the following 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifications.
The first match point to seal the deal was last Friday but a resilient Moldova side held Malta to a goalless draw in Chisinau, putting the promotion hopes on the line in Tuesday’s showdown against Latvia.
A draw was enough to propel Malta into the second-tier of the Women’s European qualifications while Latvia needed a victory.
Heading into this game, Tesse had urged her players to step up and show more maturity, and the players reacted with a solid performance in-front of a record crowd for a Malta women’s national team match – 1,008.
“The team showed great character and I think the Moldova draw helped us grow a lot as well,” Tesse told the Times of Malta.
“Despite Latvia scoring first, we managed to impose our style of football and we have to keep playing this way especially now that we will be in League B.”
For this match, Tesse had decided to keep winger Maria Farrugia on the bench while Birkirkara’s hard-working Alishia Sultana took her place with the task of helping defensively as well.
“We prepared this match in this way with Alishia Sultana helping us on the right flank as their left winger is a very dangerous player,” the ex-Italy player explained.
“Then, in the second half Maria Farrugia gave us a different energy which allowed us to have the better off Latvia.”
Moving up a division means that Malta will now be ranked among the best 32 nations across Europe and will be rubbing shoulders with much more difficult opponents in League B.
“I am looking forward to guide this team in League B while being aware that it will be a harder challenge for us,” the former Pomigliano coach said.
“However, I know that the players are following me and this gives me a lot of confidence for this new experience.”
