American Marconi Wireless News - Basil Tuma Scores First Senior Goal as Malta Draws with Ten-Man Eswatini

Basil Tuma scored his first senior international goal as Malta fought back from a first-half deficit to secure a 1-1 draw against ten-man Eswatini in Thursday’s friendly at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali.

The visitors had been reduced to ten men before the half-hour mark when captain Gift Gamedze was sent off, yet they managed to take the lead just before the interval through Philani Mkhontfo. Tuma equalized shortly after coming on at halftime, although Malta were unable to convert their numerical advantage into a victory.

Emilio De Leo’s side started with urgency, threatening inside two minutes when Gabriel Mentz fired over following a short corner. Eswatini responded in the 16th minute through Justice Figareido, whose powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area cleared the bar.

Matthew Guillaumier also went off target with a half-volley before the pivotal moment in the 29th minute. Gamedze brought down Keyon Ewurum as he surged through the Maltese defense, prompting Portuguese referee Gustavo Correia to show a straight red card.

Despite playing with ten men for over an hour, Eswatini continued to pose problems on the counterattack. James Sissons pushed a fierce Figareido effort onto the crossbar, with the Maltese defense clearing the danger.

Eswatini broke through in the 45th minute when another quick counterattack released Mkhontfo. The captain controlled the ball before finishing past goalkeeper Sissons to give his side 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 equalizer, 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 traveled through the visiting defense, 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.

Ch.Kahalev--AMWN