Malta Denied at the Death as Slovakia Strike Late

International ‘A’ Friendly 
01.06.2026, MOL Arena, Dunajska Streda 
 
SLOVAKIA…2 
MALTA…1 
(HT 1-1) 
 
9' Haraslin (SVK), 37' J.Mbong (MLT), 90+7' Galik (SVK)

 
Malta suffered late heartbreak on Monday evening as Slovakia snatched a 2-1 victory with virtually the last kick of the match in an international Friendly. The result denied the visitors a highly respectable draw against opponents ranked more than 100 places above them in the FIFA World Rankings. 
 
Despite Slovakia controlling large portions of the encounter, Malta produced a disciplined and resilient display, with goalkeeper Henry Bonello once again proving instrumental through a series of outstanding saves. However, the hosts eventually found a way through deep into stoppage time to claim the win. 
 
National team coach Emilio De Leo opted for several changes from Malta’s previous outing against Luxembourg in March, as is often the case in international friendlies. Zabbar St Patrick defender Kean Scicluna was handed his first international start in only his second appearance for Malta, partnering Kurt Shaw in central defence. 
 
Further forward, Keyon Ewurum was also rewarded with his first start in his third international appearance, supported in attack by Ilyas Chouaref and Joseph Mbong. Zach Muscat, currently with Chaves and earning his 81st cap, was Malta’s most experienced player on the night, while Matthew Guillaumier captained the side for the 23rd time. The second half also saw debuts for Italy-based winger Kevin Cannavò and Birkirkara defender Aleandro Garzia. 
 
Bonello was called into action as early as the sixth minute, producing a fine save to deny Tomas Suslov from close range. Three minutes later, however, Slovakia broke the deadlock through Lukas Haraslin, who finished off a well-worked move initiated by captain Ondrej Duda. Malta responded positively and nearly equalised on 14 minutes when Ewurum curled an effort narrowly wide from a promising position. 
 
The Slovaks continued to threaten and came close to extending their lead midway through the half. Laszlo Benes saw his effort blocked before David Strelec squandered a gilt-edged opportunity moments later, directing his close-range attempt straight at Bonello, who reacted well. 
 
Malta’s persistence paid off in the 37th minute. Chouaref released Muscat down the right flank, and the defender delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Mbong managed to control the ball before firing home from close range to level the scores. The visitors almost completed the turnaround shortly afterwards. Chouaref again caused problems down the right and picked out Ewurum, whose effort was diverted behind for a corner. At the other end, Bonello remained in inspired form, first turning Adam Obert’s strike behind and then producing another excellent save from Robert Bozenik’s header following the resulting corner. 
 
The second half was a more subdued affair, with Malta matching Slovakia for long periods while the hosts struggled to raise the tempo of the contest. Suslov tested Bonello on 54 minutes, but the Maltese goalkeeper gathered comfortably. Shortly after the hour mark, substitute Enrico Pepe tried his luck from distance, although his effort lacked the accuracy needed to trouble Dominik Takac. 
 
Malta’s best chance after the break arrived in the 77th minute. A swift counterattack carved open the Slovak defence, with Cannavò laying the ball off to Andrea Zammit, whose curling effort drifted agonisingly wide of the target. As full time approached, Slovakia pushed for a winner. Bozenik squandered two opportunities late on, while Peter Kovacik struck the post with a curling effort early in stoppage time. 
 
Just as Malta appeared set to secure a prestigious result, the decisive moment arrived seven minutes into added time. Adrian Kapralik intelligently picked out Roland Galcík, who drilled a low diagonal shot beyond Bonello to hand Slovakia the victory. 
 
Malta will now travel to neighbouring Hungary, where they will face Azerbaijan in another international friendly in Szombathely on Friday, kick off 20h. 

Slovakia 
Dominik Takac, Hugo Pavek (Peter Kovacik 80), Martin Valjent (Michal Fasko 80), Lubomir Satka (Krisztian Bari 80), Adam Obert, Peter Pokorny (Matus Bero 46), Laszlo Benes (Adrian Kapralik 46), Ondrej Duda (Artur Gajdos 67), Tomas Suslov (Roland Galcik 67), David Strelec (Robert Bozenik 40), Lukas Haraslin (Mario Sauer 67). 
Coach: Vladimir Weiss 
 
Malta 
Henry Bonello, Zach Muscat (Gabriel Mentz 59), Kurt Shaw (Jean Borg 90+4), Kean Scicluna (Enrico Pepe 46), Juan Corbalan (Myles Beerman 46), Matthew Guillaumier (Jake Grech 90+4), Teddy Teuma (Brandon Paiber 59), Alex Satariano (Andrea Zammit 59), Ilyas Chouaref (Aleandro Garzia 74), Keyon Ewurum (Kevin Cannavo’ 46), J.Mbong (P.Mbong 46).  
Coach: Emilio De Leo 
 
Referee: Mihaly Kapraly (Hungary) 
 
Yellow cards: Duda, Suslov (SVK); Corbalan, Muscat, Bonello (MLT). 
 
Attendance: 2741