Facing Portugal is a privilege, says Malta coach Tesse

The Malta women’s national team coach Manuela Tesse is excited about the prospect of hosting Portugal in the second Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier at the Centenary Stadium, on Tuesday (kick-off: 6.30pm).

Tesse’s selection drew well-deserved plaudits after their gutsy performance in their qualifying opener against Northern Ireland, in Belfast, which earned them a 0-0 draw.

For Malta, this was a historic point as it was the first-ever recorded in a League B match after promotion from League C in last year’s Nations League.

In addition, it was the first time in six home matches that Northern Ireland did not score which bodes well for Malta’s resiliency in away games too.

The Italian tactician was delighted with the point gained although she did point out where her team could improve in order to be more competitive in this group which also includes Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“Our performance against Northern Ireland will help us to grow as now we shift focus on our next opponent which is Portugal,” Tesse said in a news press conference.

“We are not changing our system as we are competing against a very strong team like Portugal, which is a privilege for us.

“I hope this match can continue to help our players to embrace my philosophy of football.”

Tesse explained how she admired Portugal’s performances in last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where the 21st-ranked side in the world gave giants the United States a run for the money in the group stages, holding them to a 0-0 draw.

“I was their supporter during the last World Cup, they played some great football even against some of the best teams and they are a well-coached side too,” Tesse explained.

Malta midfielder Rachel Cuschieri, who took over the captain’s armband after Emma Lipman’s injury late in the Belfast match, explained how her international experience will boost her personal performance while allowing her to guide her teammates on the pitch as well.

Lipman’s presence in the Portugal game is in doubt with Birkirkara’s Valentina Rapa in contention to take her place should the Como Women defender fail to make it.

Moreover, Birkirkara winger Alishia Sultana’s status, who was also subbed off due to an apparent injury, is yet to be confirmed as well.

Venezia forward Kailey Willis replaced her in the Belfast match, last Friday.

In the meantime, there were two other changes in the squad as goalkeeper Raisa Costantino was replaced by Mġarr United’s Patricia Ebejer due to an injury while Emma Xuereb, of Swieqi United, who is also injured, was replaced by club team-mate Jade Schembri.