MALTA BASED NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Matteo Grima
GZIRA UNITED 1-1 SLIEMA WANDERERS
Gzira United and Sliema Wanderers are still searching for their first victory of the 2021/2022 season after both sides settled for a draw on match day 3 of the BOV Premier League. Kurt Shaw for Sliema and Steve Borg, Nikolai Muscat and Steve Pisani for Gzira were the only National Team players involved in this encounter. Steve Borg was booked on 37 minutes while Nikolai Muscat was subbed off in added time.
FLORIANA 3-0 VALLETTA
Floriana claimed its first win of the season in the classical derby against Valletta with a dominant 3-0 result. For Floriana, Jan Busuttil and Ryan Camenzuli played the full match while for Valletta, Triston Caruana played 82 minutes and Shaun Dimech was introduced in the match on 68 minutes. Ryan Camenzuli scored Floriana’s 3rd goal on 94 minutes after playing a 1-2 with fellow national team player Brandon Paiber, who had entered on 67 minutes, and then smashing the ball into the back of the net.
MOSTA 1-2 HAMRUN SPARTANS
Finally, the reigning Champions got their first win of the season following 2 defeats. Hamrun started on the wrong foot when Karl Micallef’s back pass surprised Henry Bonello and the ball ended in the back of the net giving Mosta an early lead. However, this did really have an effect on Hamrun’s players and a minute later Luke Gambin, who was making his debut for Hamrun, got the Spartans level with a stunning low drive from outside the box. Hamrun went on to win the match, 1-2. National Team wing backs, Juan Corbalan and Joseph Mbong. Luke Gambin and Henry Bonello played the full match while Karl Micallef was subbed off on 70 minutes.
SIRENS 1-3 HIBERNIANS
Hibernians continued on their perfect streak thanks to another victory, 3-1 against Sirens. The Peacocks took the lead early on 14 minutes when Jurgen Degabriele struck brilliantly after receiving a cross in the box. On 19 minutes Hibernians doubled their advantage thanks to a penalty put away by Jake Grech. Dunstan Vella and Andrei Agius were also involved in this match and they played the full 90 minutes.
BALZAN 1-2 BIRKIRKARA
Birkirkara also managed to continue on their perfect streak after beating neighbours Balzan 1-2. For Birkirkara, Yannick Yankam, Luke Montebello, Paul Mbong and Cain Attard where involved in this encounter. Paul Mbong was subbed off on 63 minutes. Enrico Pepe is currently recovering from an injury suffered with the National Team and hence he was not involved for the stripes. Luke Montebello assisted for Birkirkara’s first goal of the eve while Paul Mbong assisted for the second.
GUDJA UNITED 2-2 SANTA LUCIA
Gudja United and Santa Lucia stayed level after 90 minutes on match day 3 of the BOV Premier League. The only National Team Player involved in this match was Dexter Xuereb who was making his debut for the Saints. He played the full match.
EARLY ERROR PAVES WAY FOR RUSSIAN VICTORY
Russia 2-0 Malta
Matteo Grima
On match day 6 from the European Qualifiers Malta met Russia in Moska in a very difficult encounter for our National Team.
After 10 minutes, a big mistake by experienced defender Steve Borg gave Russia an early lead. After a number of unnecessary passes at the back, Steve Borg attempted to play the ball back to Henry Bonello however his pass was short and Smolov won the ball and finished with a deadly strike to give his nation the lead.
The best chance for Malta in the first half came on 45 minutes when Luke Montebello stole the ball after an error by the Russian defenders and his shot close from the corner flag ended just wide of the post.
Malta continued to grow in the second half and started well with Joseph Mbong’s strike from out of the ox was saved with difficulty by the Russian goalkeeper. We did not stop and Luke Montebello’s cross found Joseph Mbong in the box who’s shot got the best out of Guillherme in the Russian goal.
On 84 minutes, Russia closed the match when a blocked shot looked to have hit Ryan Camenzuli’s hand in the box, with the referee pointing twords the penalty spot. From 11 meters Bakaev had no mistake and put the ball past Bonello for the second time on the eve.
MALTA UNLUCKY TO GET ZERO POINTS IN SLOVENIA
Slovenia 1-0 Malta
Matteo Grima
Malta resumed into action in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Group H, match day 5 yesterday evening when they took on Slovenia in another difficult encounter.
Mangia decided to go for a lot of changes in the starting 11 from the team that broke Cyprus on Wednesday with Zach Muscat, Juan Corbalan, Triston Caruana, Shaun Dimech and Alex Satariano all starting the match.
For most of the match, excluding the last 20 minutes of the match, the team played quite a defensive game, catching the opposition on the counterattack on various occasions including Joseph Mbong’s strike from outside the area that surprised Jan Oblak who just saved the ball on the goal line.
Slovenia went into the lead on 44 minutes when the referee awarded a very controversial penalty to Slovenia, not even opting the use of VAR. Lovric stepped up and put the ball in one way, sending Henry Bonello the other.
The last 20 minutes of the match were completely dominated by Malta who put men forward in their search to get the equaliser. In fact, Luke Montebello did put the ball in the net only to be called off-side by the referee.
On 88 minutes Slovenia could have put the game to bed however Henry Bonello, who was Malta’s captain, saved Sporar’s penalty brilliantly to keep Malta’s hopes alive.
As difficult as it was for the boys in red, the match finished Slovenia 1, Malta 0 however the Boys showed great character and determination with their fighting spirit to get back in the match and for this mentality we should be very proud of our team.
DOMINANT MALTA GET PAST CYPRUS WITH EASE
Malta 3-0 Cyprus
Matteo Grima
Malta returned back to winning ways with its first win in our European Qualifier from group H against Cyprus with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Our National Team made its aim clear early in the match and after 8 minutes Teddy Teuma’s trough ball found its way to Luke Montebello who missed a glorious chance in a 1v1 situation with the Cyprian goalkeeper dealing well with shot.
Cyprus where only dangerous on 2 occasions, both from corners. The first chance for Cyprus produced a stunning save by Malta’s number 1, Henry Bonello, who saw Soteriou’s deflected shot from inside the area late. On Cyprus’s following chance from the corner, Soteriou fell and simulated for a penalty for his side however the referee did not like this and booked the Cyprian player for the second time on the eve, sending him for an early bath.
This boosted Malta’s confidence and straight away on 44 minutes we took the lead. It was Paul Mbong who advanced forward and played the ball long to Ryan Camenzuli who’s cross found Joseph Mbong who continued the play with an over head kick to CAIN ATTARD who scored his first goal for Malta
At the start of the second half Malta Continued from were it left off and on 46 minuted we doubled our lead when once again Ryan Camenzuli advanced with the ball, passed to Teddy Teuma who’s stunning cross found JOSEPH MBONG’s head who buried it home.
Malta knew that 2 goals can mean nothing in football and hence we did not stop and on 54 minutes we can say that the match was done and dusted when Paul Mbong advanced well, played a 1-2 with Teddy Teuma, got the ball in the box and crossed finding CAIN ATTARD who got his double and Malta’s third.
With this win Malta goes currently in 5th place, with the same number of points as Cyprus and Slovenia i.e. 4 points. Now the team will be back in action on Saturday as we take on Slovenia, away from home.
“THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MATCH” - DEVIS MANGIA
Matteo Grima
We will approach this match like any other match
In today’s match day -1 press conference, Devis Mangia said that his expectation for tomorrow’s match is simply that he seeys a full focused team on the pitch and that all the players play with personality.
Mangia once again highlighted the fact that he has been looking forward to finally see the fans for an international match. Luke Montebello agreed on this and added that he hopes to reward their love, alongside his team mates, with a good result tomorrow.
“This is the most important match” Mangia said. The reason for this is simple, “this is our first and next match of this international window.”
SQUAD SELECTION PRESS CONFERENCE
Matteo Grima
Yesterday afternoon, National Team Head Coach Devis Mangia held a press conference to give his decisions behind the extended 30-man squad.
The media houses asked various questions about certain choices such as the decision of selecting two challenge league goalkeepers instead of “more noticeable Premier League goalkeepers” such as Timmy Aquilina of Sliema Wanderers and Andreas Vella of Floriana who was already selected during the Nations League campaign.
For this Mangia responded that the decision was taken not only by him but also by his staff who looked at these two options as currently the best Maltese goalkeepers behind Henry Bonello and Jake Galea. Mangia also highlighted the fact that 4 goalkeepers were selected this time as a precaution due to the fact that Malta’s number 1, Henry Bonello is a yellow card away from suspension.
The reporter present from our media house, Matteo Grima, also asked about the reason why Kyrian Nwoko of St. Patrick’s Athletic of Ireland was left out. The resons behind this where two: the fact that Nwoko is not 100% match fit after being injured since March before returning on the pitch in Ireland and the fact that Nwoko is not vaccinated and hence the coach prefers to take the advice of the doctors.
Mangia is looking forward to see the National Team fans finally in the stadium for the Malta-Cyprus match, as he aims to see the team continue to have an improved mentality ahead of every match.
MALTA BASED NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Thomas Camenzuli
Sirens 1 – 1 Mosta
Sirens and Mosta remained inseparable in a match which included no National Team players at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola in week 2 of the BOV Premier league.
Sliema Wanderers 0 – 0 Floriana
Sliema Wanderers were held to a stalemate by Floriana on matchday 2 of the BOV Premier League at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali. National Team players involved in the match for Sliema included Kurt Shaw. Ryan Camenzuli, who was replaced in the 52nd minute by fellow National Teammate Jan Busuttil were the only National Team players involved for Floriana.
Birkirkara 2 – 1 Hamrun Spartans
Birkirkara beat reigning champions Hamrun Spartans with a one goal lead at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali in matchday 2 of the BOV Premier League. National Team players involved for Birkirkara included Luke Montebello, Yannick Yankam, Enrico Pepe, Cain Attard and Paul Mbong. Meanwhile Henry Bonello, Joseph Mbong, Juan Carlos Corbalan and Karl Micallef were the National Team players involved for Hamrun. Hamrun opened the score after 32 minutes into the match when Joseph Mbong assisted Jorge Soares with a beautiful through ball with the outside of his right-boot, from far out, giving Soares an open shot on goal. However, Birkirkara soon levelled the score when Luke Montebello buried the ball into the back of the net with a thumping header after receiving the cross from Yannick Yankam in the 40th minute. Enrico Pepe was shown a yellow card in the 15th minute for Birkirkara while Karl Micallef was put into the book in the 67th minute for Hamrun Spartans and was eventually subbed off in the 74th minute. Paul Mbong was subbed off in the 57th minute, followed by Yannick Yankam in the 70th minute and Luke Montebello in the 86th.
Valletta 1 – 0 Balzan
Valletta beat Balzan with a one goal margin at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola in matchday 2 of the BOV Premier League. Triston Caruana and Shaun Dimech were the only Naional Team player involved in the match for Valletta.
Santa Lucia 1 – 1 Gzira United
Santa Lucia managed to hold Gzira United to a draw at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali in matchday 2 of the BOV Premier League. National Team players involved for Gzira included Steve Pisani, Steve Borg, Nevin Portelli and Nikolai Muscat, with Pisani and Muscat both being subbed off in the 46th minute whilst Portelli was subbed off in the 77th minute of the match.
Hibernians 2 – 1 Gudja United
Hibernians manged to get a last minute victory over Gudja United in week 2 of the BOV Premier League at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola. National Team players for Hibernians included Andrei Agius, Ferdinando Apap, Jake Grech and Dunstan. Hibs notched the winner thanks to Jake Grech whose conclusion from inside the area was deflected by a defender past Gudja’s goalkeeper Glenn Zammit after 6 minutes of stoppage time after which Grech was also awarded a yellow card.
UNION SAINT-GILLOISE AND TEDDY TEUMA FALL SHORT TO MECHELEN.
Mechelen 3 - 1 Union Saint-Gilloise
Matteo Grima
Union Saint-Gilloise suffered their second defeat this season when they were beaten 3-1 by Mechelen, away from home. The Saint-Gilloise captain, Teddy Teuma, played the full match however he was not as effective as he normally is. The Saints where 1 goal up after only 11 seconds but conceded 3 goals later on that gave Mechelen their 2nd win this season. With this result, Union Saint-Gilloise go down in 4th place with 9 points in 5 matches.
SECOND APPEARANCE AND DEFEAT FOR KYRIAN NWOKO OF ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
St. Patrick’s Athletic fell to a 3-1 defeat to Finn Harps on match day 25 of the Irish Premier Division.
Kyrian Nwoko started on the substitutes bench but was brought onto the pitch on the hour mark.
St. Patrick’s Athletic coach, A. O’Donnel had pleasing words for Nwoko’s never give up mentality as he also hit the post in the process.
With this result St. Pats remain in 2nd place, 3 points behind League leaders Shamrock Rovers who currently have played 2 matches less.
MALTA BASED NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Thomas Camenzuli
Balzan 1 – 0 Sliema Wanderers
Balzan beat Sliema Wanderers with a late goal scored in the 93rd minute in the first match of the 2021/22 Season of the BOV Premier League at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola. Centre-half Kurt Shaw was the only National Team player involved in the Match for Sliema.
Hamrun Spartans 1 – 2 Valletta
Valletta came back from a goal down to beat the reigning champions Hamrun Spartans, 2-1, in their first match of the season at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali. National Team players involved in the match for Hamrun Spartans included Henry Bonello, Karl Micallef, Joseph Mbong and Juan Carlos Corbalan who was shown a yellow card 29 minutes into the first half. Meanwhile, Triston Caruana and Shaun Dimech, who came off in the 62nd minute of the match, were the only National Team players involved in the match for Valletta.
Gudja United 0 – 1 Sirens
Gudja United suffered their first loss of the new season to Sirens on Friday at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola where Neil Tabone, who was the only National Team player involved in the match, made his official debut for Gudja United.
Floriana 2 – 2 Santa Lucia
Floriana and Santa Lucia were held to a stalemate at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola in their first match of the 2021/22 BOV Premier League Season. Ryan Camenzuli was the only player from the National Team involved for Floriana and played the full match.
Mosta 0 – 3 Birkirkara
Birkirkara beat Mosta in their first match of the new season with a three-goal lead at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali. National Team players involved for Birkirkara included Enrico Pepe, Cain Attard, Luke Montebello, Yannick Yankam and Paul Mbong. Mbong was subbed on in the 74th minute of the match and Yankam was subbed off in the 83rd minute.
Gzira United1-3 Hibernians
Hibernians started their 2021/2022 season with a stunning victory over Gzira United thanks to 3 goals from National Team players. Jake Grech opened the score for Hibernians after 13 minutes when his shot from outside the box was deflected by the Gzira defenders giving no chance for Justin Haber in goal. On the 50th minute Grech doubled when after he received a long through ball he calmly controlled it and put the ball beyond Haber in a 1 v 1 situation. Hibernians made sure of the 3 points on the 73rd minute when Jurgen Degabriele flung a deadly cross into the area that was met by Ferdinando Apap who scored with a thumping header. The National Team players in this match included: Steve Borg and Steve Pisani who played the full match for Gzira United, and Dexter Xuereb who was subbed off on the hour mark. For Hibernians, Andrei Agius, Ferdinand Apap and Jake Grech played the 90 minutes while Jurgen Degabriele was subbed on after 66 minutes into the match.
FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE SEASON FOR ZACH MUSCAT
Casa Pia 2 - 0 Porto II
Matteo Grima
Casa Pia and Malta International Defender Zach Muscat managed to bring home their first victory on match day 2 of the Segunda Liga of Portugal when they took on Porto FC’s second team.
Muscat was introduced onto the pitch on 71 minutes as he replaced Lucas Soares in the back line as Casa Pia aimed to close down Porto’s forwards after leading by a goal to nil after 47 minutes. After the introduction of Muscat, Casa Pia added another and secured the victory on 73 minutes, a result that remained to the final whistle.
3RD VICTORY OF THE SEASON FOR TEUMA
Union Saint-Gilloise 2 - 0 Kortrijk
Matteo Grima
Another stunning victory for Teuma’s Union Saint-Gilloise who beat Kortrijk by a margin of two goals, keeping their 2nd successive clean sheet in the Belgian Division A.
Teuma was part of the 3 central midfielders in the Saints’s tactical shape of 3-5-2 and completed the full 90 minutes for the 3rd time this season out of 4 matches so far. The Maltese International had a number of key passes and was again inches away from opening his account for the season when his shot from outside the box on 82 minutes blasted just past the left post.
With this victory, Union Saint-Gilloise solidify their place at the top of the League table alongside KV Oostende who also have 9 points after matchday 4.
TEUMA’S SAINTS ALREADY SHOWING THAT THEY MEAN BUSINESS
Union Saint Gilloise and Malta International Teddy Teuma managed to solidify the first place in the Belgian Top tier after winning their 2nd match of the season from 3 matches so far.
The Saints faced Beerschot, who were chasing their first victory of the season, at the Venue Olympisch Stadion. Teuma who is his side’s captain was once again playing in a 3-man midfield and again produced a great performance that helped his side to a convincing 0-3 victory.
Teuma was only subbed off on 90 minutes for him to rest before his side’s upcoming fixture.
AGIUS'S STUNNER GIVES HIBERNIANS THE EDGE AFTER THE FIRST LEG
Riga 0-1 Hibernians
Matteo Grima
Hibernians have a very important lead after the first leg in Latvia after beating Riga 0-1 in the 3rd round, Europa Conference League play off first leg.
National Team Captain and central defender Andrei Agius, scored the all important goal after 69 minutes of play in stunning fashion. It was Jurgen Degabriele who flung the ball into the area that was headed away by the Riga defenders who simply put the ball on a plate for Agius at the edge of the box who struck a ball-driver into the bottom corner of the net giving no chance for Brkic in goal.
Hibernians made use of 6 National Team players: Andrei Agius, Ferdinando Apap, Jurgen Degabriele, Dunstan Vella, Bjorn Kristensen and Jake Grech who were all in the initial team line up.
Hibernians go again in the second leg on the 12th of August and we all wish them the best of luck.
TEUMA WITH A NARROW DEFEAT TO CLUB BRUGGE
Teddy Teuma was back into action for his Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise who faced Club Brugge on matchday 2 of the top tier of Belgian football.
Teuma started in midfield and had another stunning display that infact earned him a place in the team of the week.
After 5 minutes of play, Teuma won the ball and played a trough ball to Undav who found Vanzier who's shot ended just wide of Mignolet's goal. On 25 minutesTeuma was incredibly close in opening his account for the season when his shot from the edge of the box after recieving from Undav ended just over the cross bar. 5 minutes before half time Teuma was effective once again when his clean ball found Lapoussin who extended the ball to Nielsen who's shot clipped the bar on its way out.
Club Brugge broke the dead lock on 84 minutes when Sobol strook a thunder bolt from out of the box that ended in the back of the net giving the Saints their first defeat this season.
KYRIAN NWOKO MAKES HIS DEBUT FOR ST. PAT
Kyrian Nwoko made his debut for St Patrick’s Athletic in yesterday’s clash against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin Ireland after coming on in the 87th minute to replace Sam Bone. St Patrick’s Athletic managed to level the score just before half time, however, Shamrock Rovers came out victorious in the second half, scoring two more goals and ending the game at 3-1 in their favour. After their victory over St Patrick’s Athletic who were away from home, Shamrock Rovers now reach the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division table.
HEARTH BREAK FOR BIRKIRKARA AND GZIRA UNITED
Birkirkara 1-0 Olimpija (4-5 on Pens)
Rijeka 1-0 Gzira United
Matteo Grima
Birkirkara and Gzira United had to bow out of the European Competitions on Thursday evening when they both failed to progress to the UEFA Europa Conference League 3rd round play off.
Birkirkara where rather unfortunate to go out after doing so well to get level on aggregate however they ended up loosing on penalties. For Birkirkara 5 National Team players where involved; Enrico Pepe, Cain Attard, Yannick Yankam, Luke Montebello and Paul Mbong.
Gzira United on the other hand founded it rather difficult against the Croatians loosing 3-0 on aggregate. 4 National Team players where involved; National Team vice-captain Steve Borg, Steve Pisani and Nevin Portelli who was then substituted for Dexter Xuereb on the hour mark.
Matteo Grima
HIBERNIANS PROGRESS TO THE 3RD ROUND OF THE UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS
Hibernians have just written history after defeating San Marino side Folgore 7-3 on aggregate following a 4-2 victory on home soil for the proud peacocks.
The National Team Captain, Andrei Agius, Bjorn Kristensen, Dunstan Vella, Jake Grech and Jurgen Degabriele where all involved in this 2nd leg of the 2nd Round Play-Off.
All the Maltese International players played the full match apart from Bjorn Kristensen who was only subbed off on 81 minutes.
Once again Jurgen Degabriele and Jake Grech where on the score sheet for Hibernians, just like in San Marino, however this time it was Degabriele who struck the brace.
Degabriele scored his first goal of the eve on 10 minutes with a low hit into the corner of the net after receiving from Grech. Degabriele doubled his goals on 66 minutes after slotting past the opposing goalkeeper's legs in a 1v1 situation.
Grech made sure of the victory on 77 minutes when this time it was Degabriele who assisted Grech who slotted home with ease.
Hibernians now await their next opponent in the Europa Conference League Play-Offs.
TEUMA WITH A STUNNING DISPLAY IN HIS BELGIUM DIVISION A DEBUT
Malta international midfielder Teddy Teuma was back in league action for Union Saint-Gilloise who were making their return in the first tier of Belgian football. The saints defeated non-other then Vincent Kompany's Anderlecht by a 2 goal deficit of 1-3 in Brussel.
Teuma proudly captained his side to victory in the middle of the park with a brilliant display. The Malta number 17 played the full 90 minutes and was also involved in the build up of 2 of the 3 goals scored by his team.
Union Saint-Gilloise go again on the 1st of August when they take on the reining champions Club Brugge on home soil.