Blue-and-yellow team manager Volodymyr Pyatenko commented on the official website of the UAF about the latest news regarding the team's current short-term preparation in Turkey:

— On February 17, we gathered in full strength in Antalya. The last player to arrive was Inna Hlushchenko from French 'Lille'. Over the weekend, our players who play abroad were involved in calendar matches. The most important thing is that all my wards are healthy, and the weather conditions allow us to carry out everything we planned for training.

Photo: Dan Balashov

— In recent years, Albanian footballers have noticeably improved. What can you say about the women's national team of this country?

— Although they are clearly behind Ukraine in rankings, we need to be cautious with home teams. The Albanians are also progressing — mainly because they receive more invitations to play abroad. Most of the core players represent clubs from Italy, Norway, Kosovo, Finland, Northern Ireland, Turkey, and Switzerland.

We have already held a theoretical session, thoroughly analyzing the actions of Albanian women in their recent official matches — against Norway, Estonia, and Romania. It was noticeable that despite the level of preparation of opponents, they adhered to one tactical scheme, 4-2-3-1.

They are quick, not easy to break down in individual duels, and have well-rehearsed combinations when transitioning from defense to attack. This is a tough opponent. In terms of playing style, Albanian women remind me of the Greek national team, with which Ukrainian players often face off. I hope that accumulated experience will also come in handy.

— By the way, why did Albania decide to move the match from Tirana to Durres?

— There is no specific answer. It may be related to stadium preparation or weather conditions. After all, in Durres, a well-known resort on the Adriatic, it's warmer in February. But this relocation does not matter for us at all. The girls are focused seriously, they don't care where they win, although there can be no talk of any underestimation of opponents.

— When do you leave Antalya for Albania?

— On February 19, we will have an early morning training session and then take a bus to Tirana after lunch. By the way, we will be staying in the capital, as it's only half an hour by bus from Durres. We also plan to visit another Albanian city — Elbasan, where on February 25, within the second round of the League of Nations, we will host Croatia.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Under the leadership of head coach Volodymyr Pyatenko, 24 players are working.  

Roster of Ukraine's Women National Team 

Goalkeepers: Kateryna Samson ('Vorskla' Poltava), Daria Kelyushyk ('Kolos' Kovalevka), Daryna Bondarchuk ('Metalist 1925' Kharkiv).

Defenders: Kateryna Korsun, Yana Kotik, Iryna Podolska, Marina Shainyuk (all — 'Vorskla' Poltava), Daria Apanaschenko, Olga Basanska (both — 'Metalist 1925' Kharkiv), Lyubov Shmatko, Yana Derkach (both — 'Fomget', Turkey).

Midfielders: Veronika Andrukhyv, Dayana Semkiv (both — 'Kolos' Kovalevka), Yana Kalinina ('Vorskla' Poltava), Tamila Khymych, Victoria Hryin, Yulia Shevchuk, Natiya Pansulaia, Anna Petrik (all — 'Metalist 1925' Kharkiv), Nikol Kozlova ('Glasgow City', Scotland), Yana Malakhova ('Murka Nonna', Slovenia).

Forwards: Roksolana Kravchuk ('Vorskla' Poltava), Olga Ovdychuk ('Fomget', Turkey), Inna Hlushchenko ('Lille', France).

Recall that according to the draw results of the League of Nations-2025, Ukraine's national team fell into Group 4 of League B along with Czech Republic, Croatia and Albania.

The match of the first round between Albania — Ukraine will take place on February 21 in Durres at 'Niko Dovana' stadium. 

The match of the second round Ukraine — Croatia will be held on February 25 in Elbasan city at 'Elbasan Arena'. 

Both matches will start at 19:00 Kyiv time.

Calendar of Matches in Group B4 of the Women's League of Nations-2025

February 21. Albania — Ukraine

February 21. Croatia — Czech Republic

February 25. Ukraine — Croatia

February 25. Czech Republic — Albania

April 4. Ukraine — Czech Republic

April 4. Albania — Croatia

April 8. Czech Republic — Ukraine

April 8. Croatia — Albania

May 30. Ukraine — Albania

May 30. Czech Republic — Croatia

June 3. Croatia — Ukraine

June 3. Albania — Czech Republic

League A

Group 1: Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Scotland.

Group 2: France, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland.

Group 3: Spain, England, Belgium, Portugal.

Group 4: Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Wales.  

League B

Group 1: Poland, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania.

Group 2: Ireland, Turkey, Slovenia, Greece.

Group 3: Finland, Serbia, Hungary, Belarus. 

Group 4: Czech Republic, Ukraine, Croatia, Albania.  

League C

Group 1: Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova, Gibraltar.

Group 2: Malta, Georgia, Cyprus, Andorra. 

Group 3: Luxembourg, Wales, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.

Group 4: Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Lithuania. 

Group 5: Israel, Bulgaria, Estonia.

Group 6: Kosovo, Latvia, North Macedonia.                          

The group stage will determine which four teams from League A advance to the final round (which now takes the form of two-legged playoffs), as well as who will be promoted and relegated between leagues ahead of the European qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Winners of groups in Leagues B and C will move up to Leagues A and B, respectively. The bottom teams from Leagues A, B, and two worst third-placed teams from League B will be relegated to Leagues B and C accordingly. Third-place teams from League A will play against second-place teams from League B, while the top two third-place teams in League B will face off against the best two teams in League C.

Final Round

Drawing: June 6, 2025 (date to be confirmed).

Semifinals (two matches each): October 22-28, 2025.

Final/Third Place Play-off (two matches each): November 26 - December 2, 2025.

Promotion/Relegation Play-offs

Drawing: June 6, 2025 (date to be confirmed).

Matches (two each): October 22-28, 2025.