The Malta women’s national team launches its October international window with the first of two friendly matches against Belarus, taking place today at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 7.30pm).
This fixture forms part of a double-header that will conclude on Tuesday with the second and final encounter between the two sides.
These two international friendlies serve as key preparation for the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where Malta will compete in League B, while Belarus will feature in League C.
Both teams experienced mixed fortunes in their recent campaigns, yet these matches remain valuable tests for both camps. Malta coach Manuela Tesse has underlined the importance of focus and consistency as her team continues to build momentum following their promotion earlier this year.
“Maintaining concentration and consistency is crucial,” Tesse remarked, highlighting her side’s ambition to continue its positive trajectory.
Malta earned promotion back to League B earlier this year and will discover their group-stage opponents on November 4.
The Italian coach has trimmed her initial 30-player provisional list down to 24, with Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town) and Jana Barbara (Warbeyen) sidelined through injury. Jessica Dimech (Hibernians), Mariah Cardona (Birkirkara), and Swieqi United duo Sarah Urpani and Michaela Cachia were also omitted from the final selection.
Tesse’s 24-player squad blends several experienced internationals, including multiple foreign-based players, with a number of young talents eager to gain valuable experience and establish themselves at senior level.
Meanwhile, Belarus arrive under the guidance of new coach Vyacheslav Grigorov, who took charge following their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign that saw them relegated to League C.
Ranked 50th in the world, Belarus sit 38 places above Malta in the latest FIFA rankings. In their Nations League group, they collected just three points from six matches against Serbia, Finland, and Hungary.