Malta women’s coach Tesse names provisional squad for opening Euro qualifier in Turkey

Head Coach Manuela Tesse has named her first provisional squad for this year ahead of Malta’s opening UEFA European Qualifiers in League B.

The Malta Women’s national team will launch their UEFA European Qualifiers League B campaign with an away fixture against Turkey on March 3 at the Pendik Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.  

This match marks Malta’s return to League B following consecutive promotions secured during the recent UEFA Women’s Nations League campaigns, a testament to the steady growth and increasing competitiveness of the national side.

Under the guidance of Tesse, Malta head into this new campaign aiming to consolidate their status at League B level and continue the upward path.

Turkey present a challenging opening opponent, particularly on home soil.

Malta will be looking to deliver a disciplined and organised performance as they target a positive start to the qualifying phase.

Tesse’s provisional squad combines experience and emerging talent. Among the selected players is a new face, Emma Flannery, who has earned her first call-up to the senior national team setup. 

Flannery made her U19 competitive debut last November against Latvia.  Her inclusion reflects the coaching staff’s commitment to integrating emerging talent and rewarding consistent performances. 

The young midfielder, who is on the books of Albion SC Las Vegas, is one of 13 foreign-based players in Tesse’s initial squad selection.

On the downside, Malta will be without Mġarr United FC duo Rebecca Bajada, who recently sustained a knee injury and Veronique Mifsud, who continues her recovery from an ACL injury.

Following the fixture in Turkey, Malta will return home to face Switzerland in their second match of the campaign.  The match will be played at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday March 7, kicking off at 7pm.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Raisa Costantino (FC Pro Palazolo, Italy), Giulia D’Antuono (Mgarr United), Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United FC).

Defenders: Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town Ladies FC, England), Leanne Cefai (Mgarr United), Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara FC), Alexandra Gatt (York City Ladies, England) Oceane Grange (Freedom FC, Italy), Emma Lipman (Genoa CFC, Italy), Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies FC Cyprus), Georgiana Mifsud (Hibernians FC), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United).

Midfielders: Jana Barbara (Vfr Warbeyen, Germany), Brenda Borg (Mgarr United), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa CFC, Italy), Maia Debono (Mgarr United), Emma Flannery (Albion FC, United States), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United).

Forwards: Leah Ayres (Hibernians FC), Haley Bugeja (FC Internazionale Milano, Italy), Yulya Carella (Mgarr United), Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma Fc, Italy), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City Women FC, England), Jade Flask (Swieqi United), Sara Saliba (Swieqi United), Kailey Willis (Venezia Calcio Femminile, Italy).