The Malta women’s national football team begin their UEFA European Qualifiers League B campaign with a demanding away fixture against Turkey women’s national football team at the Pendik Stadium in Istanbul on Tuesday afternoon.

The opening match presents an immediate challenge for Malta at this level, a reality Head Coach Manuela Tesse openly acknowledges. Reflecting on the team’s previous stint in League B, Tesse emphasised the lessons learned from that experience.

“Our first experience in League B offered valuable insight into the level required,” she explained. “Perhaps both the players and I were not fully prepared at that time, but the experience helped us grow.”

That growth has played a key role in shaping the squad’s mentality ahead of this new campaign. Having secured back-to-back promotions in recent seasons, expectations have naturally risen — yet Tesse remains grounded about the task ahead.

“This time round I spoke to the players about increasing their confidence — they need to believe,” she said. “Expectations are always high after two consecutive promotions, but League B is not easy.”

Malta travel to Türkiye fully aware of the quality awaiting them on home soil. The Turkish side will look to make full use of home advantage in Istanbul, but the Maltese squad arrives with determination and quiet confidence.

Forward Haley Bugeja highlighted the team’s mindset ahead of kick-off.

“We are not afraid. We have worked hard and prepared in the best possible way. Our aim is to bring something home with us,” she stated.

Tuesday’s fixture, kicking off at 15:00hrs (CET), will set the tone for Malta’s League B journey. The squad’s focus remains firmly on delivering a disciplined, competitive performance as they look to begin their campaign on a positive note. The match will be broadcast live on TVMSport+.