Injury-hit Malta women face daunting Switzerland test in World Cup qualifier

The clash against the group leaders, Switzerland, is the first of a double-header that will also see the team take on Türkiye at the Centenary Stadium on June 9.

Coach Manuela Tesse has largely retained the nucleus of players who have featured throughout the campaign, with several overseas-based players included following encouraging seasons with their respective clubs.

However, Malta will once again be without a number of key players due to injury. Stephania Farrugia, Rebecca Bajada, Sara Saliba and Leah Ayres remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while reigning MFA Women’s Player of the Year Yulya Carella is unavailable after suffering a recent setback.

Captain Emma Lipman has been included in the squad but will miss today’s encounter against Switzerland due to suspension.

One of the notable inclusions is Hibernians youngster Nyorah Celeste, who receives a senior call-up after an impressive campaign.

Celeste was recently named Assikura Women’s Youth League Player of the Year after helping Hibernians U-21 secure a domestic league and cup double, while also gaining valuable experience with the Paolites’ senior side.

Malta enter the final two fixtures already relegated to League C following a difficult campaign in Group B2.

Nevertheless, Tesse’s side will be aiming to finish on a positive note against two strong opponents.

Switzerland, who defeated Malta 4-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, are chasing top spot in the group as they seek promotion back to League A and continue their push towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Swiss have made three changes to their 24-player squad, with Ella Touon and Lydia Andrade returning to the national setup, while goalkeeper Lourdes Romero receives her first senior call-up.

Touon returns after an impressive second half of the season with SGS Essen, where she scored three goals and provided two assists despite the club’s relegation from the Frauen-Bundesliga.

Andrade also arrives in strong form, having found the net in each of her last four matches for FC Köln.

Romero, meanwhile, has earned recognition following a series of strong performances for FC Nürnberg.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper recently attracted attention after scoring directly from a free-kick.

Friday’s match at the AIL Arena in Lugano kicks off at 7.30pm, while Malta’s final qualifier against Türkiye at the Centenary Stadium starts at 7pm on June 9.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Maya Cachia (Hibernians), Raisa Costantino (Pro Palazzolo, Italy), Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr United). 

Defenders: Tammy Falzon (Swieqi United), Jade Flask (Swieqi United), Alexandra Gatt (York City Ladies, England), Oceane Grange (Freedom FC Women, Italy), Emma Lipman (Genoa Women, Italy), Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies, Cyprus), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United).

Midfielders: Jana Barbara (VfR Warbeyen, Germany), Francesca Bartolo (Hibernians), Brenda Borg (Mġarr United), Leanne Cefai (Mġarr United), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa Women, Italy), Emma Flannery (Albion SC Las Vegas, US), Veronique Mifsud (Mġarr United), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United).

Forwards: Haley Bugeja (Inter Women, Italy), Nyorah Celeste (Hibernians), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City Women, England), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Kailey Willis (Venezia Calcio Femminile, Italy).