Malta Women’s National Team Head Coach Manuela Tesse has confirmed her final 24-player squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Belarus, as preparations intensify ahead of next year’s 2026 European Qualification campaign in League B.

The first friendly will take place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali (kick-off: 19:30), while the second will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, starting at 19:00.

🎟️ Tickets for both fixtures are available via the Malta FA Tickets Portal, and both matches will be streamed live on the Malta FA YouTube channel.

Squad Updates and Objectives

From the provisional list announced earlier this week, foreign-based players Jana Barbara and Fiona Buttigieg have been ruled out due to injury.

Tesse’s final selection features a strong blend of experience and emerging talent, including eight overseas-based players and several promising youngsters who continue to make strides at senior level.

The two matches against Belarus are expected to provide valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to evaluate player form, refine tactical setups, and build team cohesion ahead of the League B draw, scheduled for November.

Focus and Ambition

Speaking ahead of the fixtures, Coach Manuela Tesse emphasised the importance of maintaining focus, intensity, and consistency, following Malta’s promotion earlier this year.

“This is an important stage in our development. We want to continue building on the progress made so far and keep raising our level of performance in every match,” she said.

Strengthening the Coaching Team

As previously announced, the women’s national team setup has been bolstered by the appointment of Patrizia Panico as Technical Advisor. A highly respected figure in European football, Panico brings a wealth of international experience and technical insight, further enhancing the team’s development framework.

Joining Tesse on the technical bench is Herman Bugeja, who has taken up the role of Assistant Coach, adding further depth and expertise to the national team’s preparations.

Malta Squad for Belarus Friendlies

Goalkeepers
Maya Cachia (Hibernians FC)
Giulia D’Antuono (Mgarr United)
Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United FC)

Defenders
Rebecca Bajada (Mgarr United)
Leanne Cefai (Mgarr United)
Tammy Falzon (Swieqi United)
Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara FC)
Alexandra Gatt (Hull City Ladies, England)
Oceane Grange (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Emma Lipman (Genoa FC, Italy)
Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies FC, Cyprus)
Georgiana Mifsud (Hibernians FC)
Valentina Rapa (Swieqi United)
Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United)

Midfielders
Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa FC, Italy)
Amber Grech (Mgarr United)
Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians FC)
Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara FC)
Shona Zammit (Swieqi United)

Forwards
Leah Ayres (Hibernians FC)
Haley Bugeja (Inter FC, Italy)
Yulya Carella (Mgarr United)
Maria Farrugia (Bristol City, England)
Kailey Willis (ACF Brescia Calcio Femminile, Italy)