Malta 1–1 Eswatini
Half-time: 0–1
Scorers: Philani Mkhontfo 45; Basil Tuma 47.
Basil Tuma scored his first senior international goal as Malta fought back to draw 1–1 with ten-man Eswatini in Thursday’s friendly at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
The visitors had Gift Gamedze sent off before the half-hour mark but still took the lead through captain Philani Mkhontfo just before the interval. Tuma equalised shortly after coming on at half-time, although Malta were unable to turn their numerical advantage into victory.
Emilio De Leo’s side threatened inside two minutes when Gabriel Mentz fired over following a short corner. Eswatini responded through Justice Figareido, whose powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area cleared the bar in the 16th minute.
Matthew Guillaumier was also off target with a half-volley before the visitors were reduced to ten men in the 29th minute. Gamedze brought down Keyon Ewurum as he surged through the defence, prompting Portuguese referee Gustavo Correia to show a straight red card.
Despite the dismissal, Eswatini continued to pose problems on the counterattack. James Sissons pushed a fierce Figareido effort onto the crossbar, with the Maltese defence clearing the danger.
The visitors broke through in the 45th minute. Another quick counterattack released Mkhontfo, who controlled the ball before finishing past Sissons to give Eswatini a half-time lead.
De Leo made four changes at the interval and was rewarded almost immediately. Paul Mbong cut in from the left and delivered a cross which Tuma headed past Sibusiso Dlamini in the 47th minute.
Malta sought to build on the equaliser, but Alexander Satariano’s attempt from distance was comfortably gathered by Dlamini.
Eswatini remained dangerous, with Sissons producing another important save to deny Figareido in the 70th minute.
At the other end, Carlo Lonardelli went close six minutes later after Teddy Teuma’s free-kick reached him inside the penalty area, but Dlamini turned his effort away.
Malta increased the pressure in the closing stages. Irvin Cardona picked out Teuma in the 84th minute, only for the midfielder to shoot into the side netting while off balance.
Another Cardona delivery subsequently travelled through the visiting defence, but Tuma was unable to direct his attempt towards goal.
Eswatini held firm through the remaining minutes, leaving Malta to settle for a draw ahead of Monday’s UEFA Nations League encounter with Gibraltar, which will determine the final standings in League D Group 1.
Referee: Gustavo Correia (Portugal).
Red card: Gift Gamedze (Eswatini), 29.
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