Strong Performance By Malta Despite 0-2 Loss Against Portugal

Apr 10 2024

In the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier, Portugal defeated Malta with two second-half goals, overcoming a spirited performance by Malta in front of a record attendance of 1,026 spectators.

Despite Malta’s resilient display, Portugal’s victory solidifies their top position in the League B group with six points from two matches. Malta, currently third in the group with one point, will focus on upcoming matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In this match, Malta’s coach Manuela Tesse made tactical changes, with Valentina Rapa replacing injured captain Emma Lipman, while Kailey Willis led the attack alongside Haley Bugeja and Maria Farrugia.

For Willis, this was her 10th appearance for the national team. Portugal, under Italian coach Tesse, also made adjustments, including goalkeeper Ines Pereira and a frontline featuring Jessica Silva and Diana Silva, supported by youngster Kika Nazareth.

The match saw several close opportunities, including a penalty conversion by Carole Costa for Portugal. Despite a brave effort, Malta’s goalkeeper Janice Xuereb suffered an injury, replaced by Patricia Ebejer. Portugal sealed their victory with a goal by substitute Ana Capeta, securing a dominant performance in the qualifier.

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Court: Quail Spring Hunting Season To Open Wednesday

Apr 9 2024

The spring hunting season for quail is set to commence on Wednesday despite BirdLife’s last-minute attempt to halt it being rejected by the courts.

Following the dismissal of BirdLife’s injunction, the government swiftly announced a legal notice opening the season, with a national quota of 2,400 quails permitted to be hunted.

The hunting of quail will be permitted from two hours before sunrise until noon, running until April 30. Additionally, a separate notice will allow the hunting of 1,500 turtledoves from April 17 to April 30.

The court’s decision to deny the injunction was based on BirdLife’s history of unsuccessful attempts to block spring hunting in previous years. Judge Francesco Depasquale ruled that there were no new circumstances to justify upholding the request, accusing BirdLife of “forum shopping” by seeking different outcomes from various judges.

The court also criticized BirdLife for not addressing the matter before a more informed court that had previously dealt with similar cases.

Furthermore, the court expressed skepticism regarding BirdLife’s claims about the decline in turtle dove populations, questioning the link between hunting and population decline given Malta’s limited size and the short duration of the hunting season.

In response to these developments, hunting group Kaċċaturi San Ubertu (KSU) condemned BirdLife’s actions as “extremist,” emphasizing Malta’s legal right to conduct spring hunting under European law, as endorsed by a 2015 referendum and the government’s electoral mandate.

They criticized BirdLife for persisting in legal challenges despite previous court decisions and public referenda upholding the practice of spring hunting.

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Falsely Jailed Indian Man Offered Work Chance By Identita

Apr 9 2024

An Indian man who lost his job while unjustly imprisoned on dismissed charges has received a regulatory opportunity after being flagged for an “irregular immigration situation” by Identità.

Times of Malta reported how after media attention and appeals by activist Patricia Graham, the principal immigration officer granted Dasari Saiteja a few days to apply for a single work permit at Identità through a one-time concession.

“I’m feeling much better now because I can apply and begin my process again now,” said the 25-year-old Saiteja in response to the lifeline.

Saiteja endured 50 days in preventive custody after being falsely accused of submitting forged lease agreements to the immigration agency by Identità. He and a fellow countryman were acquitted in March when it was discovered that his agent was responsible for the forgery.

During his imprisonment, Saiteja’s employer, QK Services, terminated his employment due to his absence from work. Consequently, when Saiteja sought a new work permit, he was labeled an irregular migrant.

This prompted the immigration officer’s decision to grant Saiteja a 10-day concession to regularize his status.

Reflecting on his challenging experience, Saiteja remarked, “I never expected such things could happen in my life, but I learned big lessons for my life. I’m looking forward to my career and to having success in my life.”

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Malta’s Women Team Are Ready To Face Portugal Today

Apr 9 2024

Malta’s women’s football team is ready to face Portugal today at 18:30hrs at the Centenary Stadium in what promises to be an exciting UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Qualifier match.

The national team’s coach Manuela Tesse revealed during a press conference that she is excited about the prospect of hosting Portugal in the second Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier.

The team is urging supporters to make their way to the stadium with flags and colours and to let their cheers echo through the entire stadium.

Will you be following the match? Get your tickets here.

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