A courageous Malta side was cruelly denied a historic victory in Kaunas after a controversial 97th-minute penalty awarded to Lithuania forced a 1–1 draw in their World Cup qualifier.
Malta delivered one of their most disciplined and promising performances in recent years and looked to have secured a memorable win when Alex Satariano fired home from close range with just seven minutes remaining. But deep into stoppage time, the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR review for a disputed shirt pull by Zach Muscat, and Gvidas Gineitis converted despite Henry Bonello getting a hand to it.
The result feels like two points dropped for Emilio De Leo’s side, who adapted brilliantly despite missing key players including Teddy Teuma, Matthew Guillaumier, and James Carrragher. Debutant Irvin Cardona (Saint-Étienne) worked tirelessly up front, and the team showed grit and organisation throughout.
Malta started brightly and grew into the match. Bonello was called into action early, denying Gineitis in the 3rd minute. At the other end, Satariano and Paul Mbong threatened, with Lithuania goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas making important saves before the break.
The second half saw Malta create the clearer chances. Satariano curled a shot just over and later missed a golden opportunity from six yards out. But he made no mistake on 83 minutes, finishing calmly after being set up by Adam Magri Overend following a swift counter-attack.
The match turned in stoppage time. Substitute Jake Azzopardi received a straight red card after a VAR review for a high challenge, and minutes later, the penalty decision shattered Maltese hopes. Lithuania also finished with ten men after Edgardas Utkus received a second yellow.
Malta will feel aggrieved but can take immense pride in their performance. They host San Marino in a friendly next Tuesday at the National Stadium.
MATCH STATS
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS GROUP G
Lithuania 1–1 Malta
04.09.2025 – Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas, Kaunas
*(HT 0-0)*
Scorers:
0–1 Satariano 83′, 1–1 Gineitis (pen.) 90+7′
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Possession: Lithuania 58% – 42% Malta
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Shots on Target: Lithuania 5 – 4 Malta
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Corners: Lithuania 7 – 5 Malta
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Yellow Cards: Lithuania 4 – 6 Malta
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Red Cards: Azzopardi (M) 90+1′; Utkus (L) 90+9′
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Attendance: 7,854
Lineups:
Lithuania: Gertmonas; Upstas (Kalinauskas 68′), Girdvainis, Utkus, Tutyskinas; Lasickas, Vorobjovas (Jansonas 76′), Sirgedas (Golubickas 68′), Gineitis; Dolznikov (Jankauskas 46′), Paulauskas.
Malta: Bonello; Shaw, Muscat, Pepe, Beerman (Corbalan 46′); J. Mbong (Magri Overend 74′), Paiber (Grech 64′), Satariano, Chouaref; P. Mbong (Jones 74′), Cardona (Azzopardi 86′).
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili (Georgia)
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