Mbong optimistic about Malta’s UNL chances

Joseph Mbong is confident that Malta have what it takes to do well in the UEFA Nations League.  The Hibernians wing-back has retained his place in Ray Farrugia’s 23-strong squad for the opening UEFA Nations League Group D3 matches away to the Faroe Islands this Friday and at home to Azerbaijan on Monday, September 10 (20.45). “I’m very optimistic,” Mbong told www.mfa.com.mt. “There are good players in our squad and we are training hard for these matches. “I believe that we can get good results and, who knows, maybe win the group.” It’s a measure of Mbong’s abilities and attitude that he has been selected in the final Malta squad after making his debut for the national team in friendly match against Armenia (1-1) in May. “It has been a very nice experience,” Mbong, the son of former Hibernians midfielder Essien Mbong (late), added. “I’ve been striving to get into the senior squad for the past two years. It has always been my dream to be here and I will keep working hard to be called up to the senior squad on a regular basis.” Mbong called on the Maltese supporters to rally behind the national team, starting from Monday’s UEFA Nations League home game against Azerbaijan at the National Stadium. “We are becoming more professional,” Mbong, who has represented Malta at all youth levels, said. “We need more support from the Maltese fans because after all, we are defending the honour of our country. “I expect us to be united as a nation and together we achieve what we deserve.”