The Malta women’s national team are on the brink of promotion to League B as they prepare to face Cyprus in a crucial UEFA Women’s Nations League clash at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali, on Friday evening (kick-off: 7pm).
Victory on home soil will seal promotion to League B, marking a return to the second tier of European competition – a feat achieved during Manuela Tesse’s debut year in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023.
Malta currently sit top of Group C2 with nine points from four games, having bounced back from an opening defeat to Cyprus with three consecutive wins. Cyprus, meanwhile, trail by two points and dropped valuable points against Andorra in the last international window.
With only two fixtures remaining, Malta are keen to wrap up promotion ahead of their final away match against Andorra – an improving side who narrowly lost 1-0 at the Centenary Stadium and could pose a potential threat.
The Malta national team has already begun preparations for this decisive encounter, with key players Rachel Cuschieri and Maria Farrugia at the forefront.
Cuschieri arrives in high spirits after helping Genoa secure promotion to Italy’s Serie A alongside Malta captain Emma Lipman. Both players are under contract for another year and are expected to remain with the club as they prepare for their top-flight debut.
For Cuschieri, the return to the National Stadium is particularly special. Despite earning over 100 caps for Malta, she has never represented her country at this venue – though she did feature in a domestic cup final there in 2007, helping Birkirkara to an 8-0 victory over Sta Venera as a 15-year-old.
“We need to make up for the opening defeat to Cyprus,” Cuschieri said. “This is a great opportunity to do it on a big stage.”
Meanwhile, Farrugia remains a key figure for Tesse’s side.
Fresh off an excellent season with Sheffield United in England’s Championship, Farrugia was nominated for the league’s Player of the Season and also claimed the Goal of the Season award. Although the club were relegated, they could yet retain their place following Blackburn Rovers’ withdrawal.
Currently out of contract, Farrugia has received a renewal offer from Sheffield United, while also attracting interest from Italy’s Serie A, England’s second tier, and top divisions in Belgium, Scotland, France, and Sweden. She is represented by the Complete Sports Group agency.
This match will also mark a milestone for the women’s national team, as they return to the National Stadium for the first time since 2005, when they hosted Croatia in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.
Since then, only a handful of women’s club matches have been played at the stadium, including the 2019 Super Cup final between Birkirkara and Mġarr. The team will play there on this occasion because the Centenary Stadium is currently undergoing resurfacing works.
Asked about the possibility of more matches at the National Stadium in the future, Malta FA president Bjorn Vassallo explained the challenges: “The women’s international window often overlaps with domestic men’s competitions, so logistics can be tricky,” he said.
“However, the upcoming National Football Centre will include a UEFA Tier-1 pitch capable of hosting the women’s national team in future matches.”
In a further nod to the importance of the occasion, Malta’s President Myriam Spiteri Debono will be in attendance.
