Malta produced some of their best football in some time but had to settle for a draw in their UEFA Nations League match against Gibraltar.
They totally dominated play in the first half, creating numerous chances only to find their way to goal blocked by a packed defence.
Malta showed their intent from the first whistle. Irvin Cardona, then captain Matthew Guillaumier and then Teddy Teuma, all created chances but were thwarted by keeper Hankins and his packed defence.
Ilyas Chouaref, who showed his class all night long, set up Ryan Camenzuli who could only fire straight at the Gib keeper. Joseph Mbong saw his shot blocked and minutes later, Chouaref sent a cross from the left but no Maltese player could get to it.
Just before the break, another attack by Malta, Mbong denied by a lunging block by Bent.
0-0 at the break but it could well have been so much better for Malta.
After the break and more of the same from Malta. On the front foot, they continued their search for a goal. Alex Satariano’s header was cleared off the goal line, but moments later, Malta got the break-through.Joseph Mbong latched on to a Chouaref cross to put Malta in front. Near the hour mark Kurt Shaw’s header went agonizingly wide.
Minutes later, against the run of play, Gibraltar were level. James Scanlon intercepted a pass from Teuma and unchecked, ran through the Maltese defence before unleashing a shot that was deflected into the net via the foot of Enrico Pepe.
1-1, less than half an hour to play and a stadium stunned into silence.
That goal gave Gibraltar hope of a surprise result but Malta regrouped and set off in search of a winner. Guillaumier’s long pass set up substitute Andrea Zammit but Hankins snuffed out yet another Malta attack. From a corner, Paul Mbong’s header reached Zach Muscat at the second post, with the latter heading his attempt against the woodwork.
1-1 the final score but a night when Malta deserved so much more. The draw keeps Malta top of Group D on four points ahead of Gibraltar on two and Andorra on one. Malta now plays Andorra at Ta’ Qali next Sunday in their third outing of the 2026/27 Nations League.
Photos. MFA
