
Malta put on a spirited display in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, pushing Finland to the limit despite being reduced to ten men. Though the match ended in a 1-0 loss, the Reds showed resilience, fighting until the final whistle and proving they are more than capable of competing at this level.
Under new coach Emilio De Leo, Malta started with energy and intent, testing Finland’s experienced goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky through early efforts from Joseph Mbong and Alex Satariano. Henry Bonello was once again a rock between the posts, denying Finland’s early attempts and keeping Malta in the game.
Even after Antman’s opener for Finland, Malta never backed down. They pressed forward with confidence, with Paul Mbong, Ilyas Chouaref, and Matthew Guillaumier leading dangerous attacks. The best chance for an equaliser came when Kyrian Nwoko found himself one-on-one with the keeper but narrowly missed the target.
Kurt Shaw’s late red card made the challenge even steeper, but Malta’s fighting spirit remained intact. With debutants Carragher and Chouaref stepping up, this match showcased the team’s potential and determination for the road ahead.
Though the result wasn’t in Malta’s favour, the performance was a testament to the team’s growth. If this game is anything to go by, Malta is set to make a real impact in this qualifying campaign.
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