by Malta’s Manuela Tesse has confirmed the selection ahead of the final two matches in the UEFA Women’s Nations League as the island targets a return to League B. Malta will host Cyprus on Friday at the National Stadium, following which the side will travel to Andorra.
Two Matches
Malta’s National Team coach, Manuela Tesse, has trimmed the squad to twenty-five players ahead of the two final matches in the UEFA Women’s Nations League second edition. The team will welcome Cyprus at the National Stadium on Friday (30th) at 19:00 CET, with the two teams head to head in first and second place.
The Cypriot side trails Malta by two points, meaning that a victory Malta would cement promotion, but that a victory for Cyprus would catapult the Cypriot side into the better position ahead of the final matchday, with a point in hand. The final matches will be on Tuesday 3rd June, as Malta travel to Andorra, while Cyprus face Georgia away from home.
The Selection
Janice Xuereb of Birkirkara continues to be accompanied by club mate Maya Cachia and Mgarr United’s Patricia Ebejer in the goalkeeping department.
Captain Emma Lipman returns to lead the defensive unit, with club mate Rachel Cuschieri also in the midfield pack. The two return to the international duties following securing promotion into Serie A with Genoa Women. The defence continues to feature the experience of Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara) who is accompanied by the returning Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara) who makes the cut immediately on her return from ACL injury. They are joined by teammate Valentina Rapa and Oceane Grange (RC Roubaix Wervicq Féminin) who complete the centre-back unit.
There is depth in the full back position. Maya Lucia of AP Orlens Gdansk retains the place following impressive showings. She is accompanied by MFA Footballer of The Year nominee, Emma Xuereb, who claimed the Super Cup and the Assikura Women’s League with Swieqi United. They are joined by Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town Ladies) who is also fresh from achieving promotion, while Rebecca Bajada also retains the place following claiming the Assikura Women’s Knockout with Mgarr United, together with teammate Ann-Marie Said.
Joining them will be the MFA’s Footballer of the Year Shona Zammit (Swieqi United), together with fellow nominee Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians). They are accompanied by Schalke 04’s Jana Barbara who retains the place, as well as Alexandra Gatt who has switched to York Ladies. Gabriella Zahra of Birkirkara completes the unit.
The attack continues to pack plenty of youthful talent, with MFA Footballer of the Year nominees, Haley Bugeja (Inter Women) and Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United Women) spearheading the group. Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma) retains her place after impressing in previous opportunities, together with Kailey Willis of Venezia FC Femminile whose side also claimed promotion into Serie B. The attacking unit is completed by the pacey duo of Leah Ayres (Hibernians) and Yulya Carella (Mgarr United).
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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