Hibernians kick off their Champions League adventure this evening when they take on Iceland’s Stjarnan in their first Group Three qualifier in Paphos, Cyprus.

Hosts Apollon Ladies, who have Rachel Cuschieri on their books, meet Klaksvikar Itrottarfelag, of Faroe Islands, in the other opening-day game.

On the back of the positive showings of their male counterparts in the Champions League as well as those of Birkirkara in the Europa League, the Paola girls will be striving to keep the Maltese flag flying high in Cyprus.

Coach Keith Gouder is hoping to eke out three strong showings from his girls this week but the absence of two key players in Ylenia Carabott and Jade Flask, who are playing in Sweden, is a setback for the team.

On Thursday, Hibernians will come across a familiar face in Cuschieri.

The Malta international turned out for Birkirkara, Hibernians’ biggest rivals in domestic football, before earning a move to Apollon Ladies last year.

Cuschieri, who played in three European campaigns for Birkirkara, last season helped Apollon reach the last-32 of the Women’s Champions League.

The 23-year-old is relishing the prospect of lining up against Hibernians who completed a league and cup double last season.

“I’m very excited about playing Hibernians, just like when I used to play in Malta,” Cuschieri told uefa.com.

“Those were the games I always looked forward to. I would never have thought I would play against them again, especially in a big competition like the Champions League.”

Hibs wrap up their commitments with a match against KI on Sunday.

The eight group winners will join the 24 teams from the 15 highest-ranked nations in the round of 32 draw, to be held on August 20.

Group Three fixtures

Playing today (18.00)
Apollon vs KI; Stjarnan vs Hibernians.

Thursday (18.00)
Apollon vs Hibernians; KI vs Stjarnan.

Sunday (18.00)
Stjarnan vs Apollon; Hibernians vs KI.