MALTA WOMEN OPEN LEAGUE B CAMPAIGN WITH TOUGH AWAY TEST IN TÜRKİYE

The Malta women's national football team kick off their UEFA European Qualifiers League B campaign on Tuesday with a challenging away fixture against Turkey women's national football team at the Pendik Stadium in Istanbul.

The encounter presents an immediate test for Malta at this level, a reality Head Coach Manuela Tesse openly acknowledges. Reflecting on the team’s previous experience in League B, Tesse explained that it provided valuable lessons about the consistency and intensity required to compete at this standard.

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

That growth, according to Tesse, has shaped the squad’s mentality heading into this new campaign. In the build-up to the fixture, she has placed strong emphasis on confidence and belief within the group.

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

Malta travel to Türkiye fully aware of the challenge posed by a strong home side. However, there is quiet determination within the camp.

Forward Haley Bugeja underlined 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.”

Tuesday’s clash, which kicks off at 15:00hrs (CET), will set the tone for Malta’s League B campaign. The match will be broadcast live on TVMSport+, as the national side looks to deliver a disciplined and competitive performance in Istanbul.

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