by The UEFA Women’s Nations League returns tomorrow with the competition heating up as promotion and relegation pressures rise for teams. Group C2 will feature Malta’s charge against Georgia with Malta’s squad seeking to separate themselves and keep pressure on the leading Cypriots.
A Crucial Double-Header
The international window marks the return of the UEFA Women’s Nations League, with Group C2 returning in the form of two double-headers as Malta and Georgia face each other home and away, while Cyprus engage twice against Andorra.
Cyprus currently lead the standings having maximised points from the first two outings with victories against Malta and Georgia at home. The Cypriots will aim to continue their winning streak against Andorra with the opportunity to extend the gap at the top, while Andorra seek their first points. The Cypriots would capitalise should Malta & Georgia drop points against each other.
The first matches will be played on Friday (4th April) with Georgia & Malta kicking off at 17:00 CET, before Cyprus host Andorra at 18:00. Tuesday 8th presents the reverse fixtures as Malta hosts Georgia at 19:00 CET, before Andorra clash against Cyprus at their national stadium (20:00 CET).
Malta’s Selection For The Ties
Manuela Tesse has retained faith in much of the team that was called up in the first window of the tournament. The Birkirkara goalkeeping duo Janice Xuereb and Maya Cachia both return and are joined by Mgarr United’s Patricia Ebejer.
The defence features a boost in the return of Ann-Marie Said (Mgarr United) who was last involved in Portugal as Malta closed off their League B commitments. Nineteen-year-old Tammy Falzon also makes the cut after having been a defensive wall for Swieqi United as they charged toward securing their maiden title.
They join a much retained list featuring captain Emma Lipman (Genoa), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United), Maya Lucia (AP Orlens Gdansk), Fiona Buttigieg (Luton) and Oceane Grange (RC Roubaix Wevicq Femenin) all of whom featured in the first window. Rebecca Bajada (Mgarr United) and Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara) complete the defensive unit, with the latter suspended for the first match.
The midfield and attacking units feature an all-returning group. Veteran Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa) continues to be accompanied by Swieqi United’s Shona Zammit and Hibernians’ Nicole Sciberras. Joining them are the young trio of Alexandra Gatt (York City Ladies), Yulya Carella (Mgarr United) and Schalke 04’s Jana Barbara.
In attack, Alishia Cassar leads the pack with experience alongside the youthful group of Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United), Haley Bugeja (Inter Women), Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma Women) and Kailey Willis (Venezia FC).
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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