by Manuela Tesse has selected twenty-two players out of an original thirty-one to have at her disposal in the friendly against Haiti. The match will be played in Switzerland on the first of July.
Squad List
An original tally of six goalkeepers has been reduced to the duo of Janice Xuereb of Birkirkara FC and Patricia Ebejer of Mgarr United.
In defence, Mgarr United duo Rebecca Bajada and Maia Debono retain their place, as well as the quadruple of Swieqi United Jessica Lee Dimech, Tammy Falzon, Jade Schembri and Emma Xuereb. They are joined by Emma Lipman who plays in the Serie A with Como Italy. Amy Busuttil of Hibernians and Georgiana Mifsud (formerly of Raiders FC) both retain their place from the training camp and could feature against Haiti.
In midfield, there are no new call-ups, with Tesse opting for a trusted five of Swieqi United’s duo Dorianne Theuma and Shona Zammit, alongside Rachel Cuschieri (Sampdoria), Brenda Borg (Mgarr United) and Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians).
The forwards present more of a mix of youth and trusted veterans, as Ylenia Carabott of Spezia joins Maria Farrugia of Durham FC, as well as Mariah Sciberras (Swieqi United). Youngsters Yulya Carella (who last season featured heavily for Mgarr United) and Sarah Vella Barberi (formerly Raiders FC now Valletta FC Women) will also have an opportunity to feature against Haiti, following impressive showings in the U19 category. Meanwhile, Maya Lucia (Genoa) also retains her place from the training camp and could feature in the friendly.
Upcoming Match
The match will be played next Saturday 1st July, as the Haitians ramp up preparations for their maiden senior Women’s World Cup. The team, which features an exciting set of youngsters who have been dubbed ‘Haiti’s Golden Generation’ are ranked 53 in the world, and will present a tricky match for Malta (currently ranked 86).
However, there is no doubt that Tesse will use the match to test out new blood in her fourth fixture in charge of the side. The friendly gives the coach and the players a chance to try out a few tricks ahead of the looming UEFA Nations League next September.
Photo: Malta FA
