Watch: Malta rewarded for resilient display with win against Azerbaijan

AZERBAIJAN 0-2 MALTA
J. Mbong 65, Satariano 85

AZERBAIJAN: E. Balayev; A. Huseynov (84 A. Guseynov), E. Badalov, A. Kryvotsiuk, T. Bayramov (70 R. Dadasov), E. Safarov (46 A. Khaibulaev), E. Cafarquliyev, M. Emreli (70 V. Isgandarli), A. Isayev, Q. Aliyev (70 T. Mutallimov), K. Aliyev (8 N. Akhundadze).
MALTA: R. Al-Tumi (90 J. Sissons); A. Garzia (46 J. Mbong), K. Shaw, E. Pepe (62 G. Bohrer Mentz), J. Corbalan (46 M. Beerman), M. Guillaumier (62 B. Paiber), A. Satariano (90 J. Azzopardi), Y. Chouaref (84 C. Zammit Lonardelli), T. Teuma (62 P. Mbong), K. Ewurum (62 K. Cannavo)’, A. Zammit (46 Z. Muscat).
Referee: Mihály Káprály (Hungary FA).
Yellow cards: Badalov, Ewurum.

The result followed another encouraging display by Emilio De Leo’s side against Slovakia earlier this week, where Malta suffered a late defeat despite producing one of their better performances in recent months.

Although Malta had to endure long periods of pressure against Azerbaijan, particularly during the second half after taking the lead, the national team still showed resilience and attacking intent to overcome a side ranked higher in the FIFA standings, with the Azeris currently sitting 124th in the world rankings.

De Leo entrusted Rashed Al-Tumi with goalkeeping duties, while Alejandro Garzia started at full-back following an impressive 2025/2026 campaign as he continues to establish himself as an important figure within the national setup.

Youngster Keyun Ewurum, who spent the second half of the season with Torino, was also handed a starting role, while Valletta forward Andrea Zammit led the attack as the Italian coach looked to provide valuable experience to several emerging players.

Azerbaijan threatened first through Mahir Emreli, whose close-range header drifted wide, before the Azeris continued to apply pressure with another dangerous effort that was diverted behind for a corner.

Malta gradually settled into the match and on the 27th minute Ilyas Chouaref tried his luck from the edge of the area, but his effort finished just wide.

Moments later, Toral Bayramov forced Al-Tumi into a brilliant save as Azerbaijan continued to look dangerous going forward.

At the start of the second half, De Leo introduced Joseph Mbong, Myles Beerman and Zach Muscat in a triple substitution aimed at injecting fresh energy into the side.

However, Azerbaijan resumed strongly and Bayramov tested Al-Tumi once again early after the restart, with the Maltese goalkeeper producing another important stop.

Khaibulaev then came close for the Azeris with a curling effort that went narrowly wide as the pressure on Malta continued to mount.

Yet against the run of play, Malta struck on the 65th minute through Joseph Mbong, who converted from close range to score in his second consecutive international appearance.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Gabriel Bohrer Mentz intercepted possession high up the pitch before firing a long-range attempt narrowly wide.

Azerbaijan continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and Elvin Jafarguliyev came close from a free-kick that drifted inches wide following a slight deflection.

The Azeris piled further pressure on Malta during the closing stages, with De Leo’s side forced into a series of desperate clearances as they fought to protect their advantage.

However, Malta managed to seal the victory late on with a second goal through Alexander Satariano that ultimately put the game beyond doubt and ensured the national team ended the season on a highly encouraging note.