Malta earned a first point in Group G of the European Qualifiers leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup thanks to a goalless draw with Lithuania at the National Stadium on Saturday.
This draw enabled Lithuania to stay one point ahead of Malta after they had earned another point in a draw with Finland in March.
Photos courtesy of www.StephenGatt.com
Malta coach Emilio De Leo was unable to field his best formation due to the absence of Ilyas Chouaref, Kurt Shaw and Gabriel Mentz. De Leo made one change from the team which lost 2-0 to Poland as Jodi Jones replaced Chouaref. Young Valletta forward Keyon Ewurum was handed his debut.
Gvidas Gineitis had the first attempt at goal on 12 minutes but his effort ended just wide and on 36 minutes a shot by Gyitis Paulauskas from outside the area scraped past the post.
Seven minutes into the second half, Artur Dolznikov’s curling shot hit the crossbar when served on the left. Malta replied with a good move between Matthew Guillaumier and Joseph Mbong with Paul Mbong’s fierce strike forcing goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas into a fine save on 61 minutes. Three minutes later, Ryan Came zuli, served by Teddy Teuma, had a shot from outside the area ending wide. Finally, eleven minutes from time, substitute Romualdas Jansonas had a powerful shot from outside the area neutralised by Bonello.
Malta will be in action once again on Tuesday as they face the Netherlands at Europe in Groningen.
MALTA Henry Bonello, Ryan Camenzuli, James Carragher, Matthew Guillaumier, Joseph Mbong (81’ Kyrian Nwoko), Teddy Teuma, Jodi Jones (81’ Keyon Ewurum), Enrico Pepe, Paul Mbong (74’ Basil Tuma), Zach Muscat (85’ Juan Corbalan), Alex Satariano.
LITHUANIA Edvinas Gertmonas, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Edgaras Utkus, Kipras Kazukolovas, Modestas Vorobjovas (70’ Sirgedas) Artur Dolznikov (70’ Cernych), Gyitis Paulauskas, Justas Lasickas, Vykintas Slivka (81’ Jansonas), Gvidas Gineitis, Klaudijus Upstas (46’ Golubickas)(74’ Sesplaukis).
Referee: Marian Barbu ROU
Assistant referees: Ovidiu Artene, George Florin Neacsu ROU
Fourth official: Rares Vidican ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Ovidiu Haţegan ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sebastian Colţescu ROU