Malta women’s national team coach Manuela Tesse has named her final 24-player squad for Friday’s international friendly against Luxembourg at the Centenary Stadium.
The match kicks off at 19:00 and forms part of Malta’s preparations for next year’s UEFA Women’s Nations League, when they will compete in League C. Their opponents will be determined by November’s draw.
Tesse has selected a blend of experienced internationals and younger players as she looks to assess her options and develop the team ahead of the next competitive campaign.
Speaking before the friendly, the coach stressed the importance of creating opportunities for emerging players while retaining the leadership of senior squad members, who will help support the next generation.
Captain Emma Lipman welcomed the chance to reunite with her teammates after a lengthy international break, pointing to their club performances as a source of encouragement.
“It feels good to finally come together again after a long international break. So many of the girls are performing well with their clubs, so I’m hoping for a positive camp, with plenty of opportunities to work on the things we didn’t quite get right in our last Nations League campaign,” she said.
Lipman expects Luxembourg to provide a useful test of Malta’s progress.
“Luxembourg have also improved a lot, so this will be a good challenge for us. It should make for an exciting game.”
The squad includes Inter forward Haley Bugeja, Bristol City’s Maria Farrugia and Genoa midfielder Rachel Cuschieri, alongside players based in Malta, England, Italy, Germany and Austria.
Malta’s final squad
Goalkeepers: Maya Cachia (Hibernians), Raisa Costantino (Orobica Calcio Bergamo, Italy), Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr United).
Defenders: Fiona Buttigieg (London Bees, England), Leanne Cefai (Mġarr United), Jessica Lee Dimech (Hibernians), Alexandra Gatt (FC Pinzgau Saalfelden, Austria), Emma Lipman (Valletta), Georgiana Mifsud (Valletta), Valentina Rapa (Swieqi United), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United).
Midfielders: Jana Barbara (1. FFC Recklinghausen, Germany), Brenda Borg (Valletta), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa, Italy), Maia Debono (Mġarr United), Ema Micallef (Swieqi United), Nicole Sciberras (Swieqi United).
Forwards: Haley Bugeja (Inter Women, Italy), Yulya Carella (Mġarr United), Nyorah Celeste (Hibernians), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City Women, England), Jade Flask (Swieqi United), Sara Saliba (Swieqi United), Kailey Willis (Chievo Verona Women, Italy).
Fixture: Malta v Luxembourg
Date: Friday, 9 October 2026
Venue: Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali
Kick-off: 19:00.
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