Confident Malta Brush Aside San Marino In Friendly Clash
Malta recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory over San Marino in an international friendly at the National Stadium, giving newly appointed coach Emilio De Leo his first win in charge.
It was a familiar outcome, with Malta now having won all four meetings against San Marino, who sit bottom of the FIFA rankings in 210th place. The game nevertheless offered De Leo a valuable opportunity to assess his squad ahead of next March’s Nations League promotion play-off against Luxembourg.
Sportsdesk reported that De Leo retained much of the formation that drew 1-1 with Lithuania in last week’s World Cup qualifier. Irvin Cardona started on his home debut and opened the scoring after just five minutes with a precise low strike past Edoardo Colombo, San Marino’s goalkeeper and a Gżira United player.
Malta doubled their lead when Matthew Guillaumier’s effort deflected off Zach Muscat and into the net, before Muscat turned provider to set up Paul Mbong for a third on 32 minutes.
Tensions rose before half-time when Cardona and Filippo Berardi were dismissed for dissent after a heated exchange. San Marino then reduced the deficit as Alexander Satariano fouled Nicola Nanni, who converted the penalty to make it 3-1 at the break.
The second half was quieter, with Malta controlling proceedings and San Marino unable to create clear chances. Samuele Zannoni went close with a curling shot, while substitute Ilyes Chouaref twice threatened to restore Malta’s three-goal cushion, only to be denied by Colombo and a wayward finish. De Leo also handed a senior debut to Żabbar St. Patrick youngster Kean Scicluna late on.
The three goals were scored by Cardona, Muscat, Mbong, and Nanni from San Marino’s team scored the only goal for the team.
Congratulations Team Malta!
Credit: Malta Football Association
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