Head coach Manuela Tesse has announced her first provisional squad of the year as the Malta Women National Team prepare to kick off their UEFA European Qualifiers League B campaign.

Malta open their campaign away to Turkey on 3 March at the Pendik Stadium (kick-off 15:00 CET), marking the team’s return to League B after securing back-to-back promotions in the UEFA Women’s Nations League – a clear sign of the national side’s steady progress in recent years.

Tesse’s squad will be targeting a disciplined and organised display against a strong Turkish outfit, particularly on home soil, as Malta aim to start the qualifying phase on a positive note and consolidate their place at this level.

Blend of Experience and Youth

The provisional selection features a mix of established internationals and emerging talent. A notable inclusion is Emma Flannery, who receives her first senior call-up after making her competitive U19 debut against Latvia last November.

The young midfielder, currently with Albion SC Las Vegas, is one of 13 foreign-based players in the squad, underlining the growing international footprint of Maltese women footballers.

However, Tesse will be without Rebecca Bajada, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and Veronique Mifsud, who continues her recovery from an ACL injury – both key players for Mġarr United.

Switzerland Clash Awaits at Home

Following the trip to Turkey, Malta will return home to face Switzerland at the Centenary Stadium on 7 March (19:00 CET) in their second qualifier.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Raisa Costantino (FC Pro Palazzolo), Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr United), Patricia Ebejer (Mġarr United)

Defenders
Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town), Leanne Cefai (Mġarr United), Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara), Alexandra Gatt (York City), Oceane Grange (Freedom FC), Emma Lipman (Genoa), Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies), Georgiana Mifsud (Hibernians), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United)

Midfielders
Jana Barbara (VfR Warbeyen), Brenda Borg (Mġarr United), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa), Maia Debono (Mġarr United), Emma Flannery (Albion SC Las Vegas), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United)

Forwards
Leah Ayres (Hibernians), Haley Bugeja (Inter), Yulya Carella (Mġarr United), Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City), Jade Flask (Swieqi United), Sara Saliba (Swieqi United), Kailey Willis (Venezia)

With a strong core of overseas-based players and a new generation pushing through, Malta head into the qualifiers looking to continue their upward trajectory on the European stage.