Malta Registers Win Against Luxembourg in Tesse’s First Game in Charge

The Maltese National Team triumphed over Luxembourg in a first of two friendlies between the nations. Marta Estevez put Luxembourg in the lead from the spot, but Malta clinched victory thanks to a brace from Orlando Pride forward Haley Bugeja. The victory bodes well for Manuela Tesse who has gotten off to a good start after having had limited time with her squad since taking charge.

Flask’s Early Chance & Luxembourg’s Breakthrough

Malta had a chance to go in the lead after just 5 minutes of play. Jade Flask made a well-timed run behind the defense only to see her placed shot creep to the wrong side of the post. It was a quick transition from the hosts, with Shona Zammit having just recovered the ball in midfield. She found Haley Bugeja with her pass, who released Flask with a well weighted through ball.

Luxembourg did not let that intimidate them and their efforts were rewarded in the 13^th minute as Marta Estevez scored with well struck penalty. The foul was awarded after the ball was handled by Maltese defender Stephania Farrugia. However, Luxembourg’s forwards deserved the break as they caused all sorts of trouble from the right wing and pounced on the ball after the hosts made a poor clearance.

Malta’s Response

The reds made several attempts to get the score level. Brenda Borg made good forward runs linking the midfield with the attacking three. Captain Emma Lipman looked to inspire her team mid-way through the half as she ventured forward to get a shot at goal. Though her shot was off target it did well to inspire her side. In fact, the hosts levelled the score after 35 minutes of play as Haley Bugeja beat the keeper from the spot. She took charge of the penalty after she had been brought down in the box.

Swieqi United forward Jade Flask had the chance to put Malta in the lead just four minutes later as she struck the ball venomously from the edge of the box, but was denied by the woodwork. Unfortunately, no teammate was in the box to tap-in the rebound and the teams went into the break, level.

Tesse brought on Rebecca Bajada and veteran Dorianne Theuma at the start of the second half as she looked to test the depths of her squad. Theuma’s presence steadied the midfield and she pinged balls to the forward line at will. Malta peppered Luxembourg’s goal and ultimately found the net in the 66^th minute. It was inspired play from Maria Farrugia on the left wing as she beat her marker and crossed the ball into the box to find an un-marked Haley Bugeja. The striker placed her header in the top left corner to delight of her team and the home-crowd.

The reds could have had more as chances went begging for Kailey Willis and even Maria Farrugia. Meanwhile, Luxembourg showed spells of good play in midfield but could not link up the final pass to cause too much trouble to the Malta back line. The score remained in favour of the hosts until the final whistle.

Impressions After Tesse’s First Game in Charge

Manuela Tesse was animated on the touchline throughout the whole match and was giving instructions to her troops until the final whistle. She will be encouraged by what she saw on the pitch having come away with the victory. Substitutes made their mark on the game and shows a level of competitiveness in the squad.

The Italian has had a limited time to get her philosophy across and will likely change a few things as she gets to know her players more. She will also no doubt demand more ruthlessness and will look to steady the link-up play between lines. However, the victory bodes well for Tesse’s tenure and the future of Malta Women’s National Team.  

The full match can be watched here. The teams will face each other again next Monday 20^th February at the Centenary Stadium at 11 am.  

Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina Photography