Following a 2-1 win over Andorra away from home, Malta takes on Liechtenstein in a friendly match at the National Stadium on Sunday, kick-off at 18:30.
This will be the second match out of four for Emilio De Leo’s side during this extended September/October international window.
Addressing the media on Saturday, De Leo admitted that Malta managed to win despite not producing their best performance.
“The fact that the team did not play well but still managed to win shows the character of this team. We are coming from a good match against Slovakia and a win against Azerbaijan, and this victory can help us feel that this is not going to be a one-off.”
When asked whether the altitude and the logistics affected the result, the Malta coach said “Even if this is half true, if I want to be honest, I don’t want to give alibis to our players. We should take responsibility for our actions. Yes, it is true that the logistical headaches, the long trips and the different locations for training were an issue, but it is about how the team manages these situations. The players who came on were up to the desired level.”
Photos courtesy of Malta FA
Referring to Sunday’s game, De Leo said that although there could be changes in the line-up, it was important for the team to maintain continuity and intensity.
“Tonight we have the last training session. We will see how the players are feeling and then decide on the best formation for tomorrow. We cannot cut the cord with what we are doing. Even if we field different players, there should still be some continuity tomorrow. The intensity should remain the same. We will field players depending on the opposing team, but we have already given space to youngsters such as Basil, Ewurum and Scicluna, who were utilised during the June window.”
Joseph Mbong will be back after serving a one-match ban while Kevin Cannavò could return after missing the Andorra trip.
Basil Tuma, meanwhile, spoke about the challenge of combining international football with his studies and club commitments.
“It is busy juggling training and studies, but both the club and the national team have been very supportive. During the June call-up, for example, I had an exam and they made sure that I was helped and supported.”
Tuma said that the experience of being involved with the national team is helping him develop both on and off the pitch.
“Camps like these allow me to experience a different style of football and this helps me grow as a player.”
The young midfielder also reflected on his club situation, having struggled for playing time at Reading before moving to Aldershot.
“I didn’t have much playing time at Reading, and now at Aldershot we have the potential to be promoted and eventually return to playing in the league I was playing in before.”
“We have four games. Transportation between countries is tough and tricky, but we are trying our best – both the staff and the players.”
“It doesn’t matter if it is a friendly or a competitive match. Representing our country is special. A lot of people want to do it and cannot.”
This will be the seventh clash between Malta and Liechtenstein with Malta winning five of the six matches played so far. The first clash between the two teams in the President’s Cup in South Korea in 1981 ended in a 1-1 draw. Since then Malta defeated Liechtenstein 7-1 in 2008 and 2-1 in 2012 at Ta’ Qali, won 1-0 in 2012 away from home and registered home wins at home – 3-0 in 2020 and 2-0 in 2024.
Liechtenstein are currently in Group D2 of the UEFA Nations League and are coming from a 0-2 defeat to Lithuania at home. This year, they defeated Tanzania 1-0 before losing 1-4 to Aruba in the 2026 FIFA Series in Rwanda in March. In June, they lost 0-2 to Andorra away from home and 0-2 to Cyprus in Vaduz.
The match will be controlled by Kazakh officials, namely referee Daniyar Sakhi and assistant referees Samat Tergeussizov and Sergey Kalachyov. The fourth official will be Alex Johnson.