Head coach Manuela Tesse has named a provisional 27-player squad for Malta’s opening Group C2 fixtures in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents as Malta prepares for two important commitments, starting with an away match against Cyprus on February 21st at the AEK Arena (kick-off 18:00 CET) before returning home to take on Andorra at the Centenary Stadium on February 25th (kick-off 19:30 CET). Both matches will be shown live on TVM Sport+.
After achieving a historic promotion to League B in the inaugural edition of this competition, the Malta girls are eager to build on their success and maintain their upward trajectory.
The squad comprises a host of foreign-based players whose progress has been closely monitored, including newcomers Jana Barbara (FC Schalke 04) who has featured for Malta at youth level, Fiona Buttigieg, who plays for Luton Town, and Oceane Grange, of French club RC Roubaix Wervicq Féminin, with the latter two having recently become eligible to represent Malta in international football.
There are also some notable returns, including goalkeeper Janice Xuereb, who has completed her recovery from a long-term injury, and Amber Grech, who rejoins the team after a period away.
However, the squad announcement comes amid injuries to key players, including Birkirkara defender Stephania Farrugia, and Mgarr United midfielders Brenda Borg and Veronique Mifsud.
Yet, with a strong mix of experience and fresh talent, Tesse’s selection reflects Malta’s ambition to make an impact at a higher level as they embark on their latest international challenge.
Tickets for the home match against Andorra can be purchased from tickets.mfa.com.mt.
WNT Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers – Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United FC), Janice Xuereb (Birkirkara FC), Maya Cachia (Birkirkara FC)
Defenders – Rebecca Bajada (Mgarr United FC), Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town Ladies FC, England), Jessica Dimech (Hibernians FC), Tammy Falzon (Swieqi United FC), Oceane Grange (RC Roubaix Wervicq Féminin, France), Emma Lipman (Genoa FC, Italy), Maya Lucia (AP Orlens Gdansk, Poland), Valentina Rapa (Birkirkara FC), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United FC), Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara FC)
Midfielders – Jana Barbara (FC Schalke 04, Germany), Yulya Carella (Mgarr United FC), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa FC, Italy), Alexandra Gatt (Durham Cestria, England), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians FC), Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United FC)
Forwards – Haley Bugeja (FC Internazionale Milano, Italy), Alishia Cassar (Birkirkara FC), Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma Women, Italy), Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United FC, England), Jade Flask (Swieqi United FC), Amber Grech (Mgarr United FC), Kailey Willis (Venezia FC Femminile, Italy)
