by Malta will be initiating the UEFA U16 Women’s Development Tournament at 10:00 at the Centenary Stadium against Ghana, with Latvia & Northern Ireland following at 13:30. Malta’s coach, Clint Tabone, discussed challenges brought by their rivals and the focus for the team ahead of the fixtures.
The Tournament
Malta will host the UEFA Women’s U16 Development Tournament starting from today, welcoming Latvia, Northern Ireland and Ghana as opponents. Ghana are invited on behalf of UEFA as the European football body continues to push the growth of women’s football beyond it’s borders.
All teams will play a match against each other, except for Ghana and Latvia. Malta will kick off proceedings against Ghana this morning at 10:00 at the Centenary Stadium, followed by Latvia against Northern Ireland at 13:30. The full list of fixtures may be seen below. All matches involving Malta will be streamed on the Malta FA Youtube channel.
Malta’s team will be led by Clint Tabone who is relishing the challenges his team’s rivals will bring, “Facing these opponents presents a diverse and valuable challenge for our girls, helping them grow and develop. Each team brings unique physical attributes and tactical approaches, which will test their adaptability and resilience.”
He continued, “Each match will provide an opportunity for mental growth, tactical flexibility, and confidence building. These are all key qualities needed to compete at higher levels.”
Ambitions For Improvement
Youth tournaments held at the latter portion of 2024 led to mixed results in different cohorts. The U17 team fell to straight defeats to Romania, Ukraine and Moldova, which showed different areas for improvement.
On a more positive note, several of the players selected come into the tournament on a positive three wins in the UEFA U15 Women’s Development Tournament where they secured 1 – 0 wins against Andorra, Luxembourg and the Faroe Islands.
However, as with any opportunity to play at a different level, there were teachings, even when results were positive. Questioned on the approach to overcome the issues faced in the months that have passed, including physicality and tactically, Clint Tabone replied, “I agree that based on our performances in previous tournaments, there have been moments where tactical awareness and physicality were lacking, even when results were positive. In the past months, we have tried to analyse players who are technically good and possess game intelligence, while also showing confidence and determination.”
Meanwhile, Clint Tabone hopes that those who have already had the opportunity to earn results on the international stage at U15 level will use that experience as a confidence boost and push for more in this one.
He said, “For sure, the players involved in the September U15 tournament gained valuable experience from that journey, which helped in their development. They built confidence and I expect them to do the same in the upcoming tournament. I hope we will face opponents of a similar level to help us continue growing.”
The Selection
Goalkeepers selected are Katelyn Camilleri and Ezyliana Degiorgio of Valletta and Hibernians respectively.
The defence list features three players from Hibernians in Amy Bello Catania, Jade Galea and Edeson Grixti. Centre-backs Amy Portelli of Swieqi United and Krista Sacco of Birkirkara FC complete the defence with Kesia Farrugia (Lija Athletic FC) and Sara Anneloes Shaladi (Valletta FC).
The midfield features the Lija Athletic duo of Erika Cini and Amberley Borg. Hibernians’ Alanah Ghio and Olivia Nazarko are also among the mix, together with Birkirkara’s Ana Mercieca and Izabella Stringer (Birkirkara FC). Nina-Lee Naudi completes the set, hailing from Sampdoria.
The attacking line-up features four players with Lara Micallef (Hibernians FC), Kay Axiak (Birkirkara FC), Shanaia Mifsud (Valletta FC) joined by Alessandra Consoli (Oratory Youths FC).
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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