Last-Gasp Winner Seals Thrilling 4-3 Comeback for Malta Over Scotland

FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - PRELIMINARY ROUND
11.04.2026
Park Vendia Hallen, Hjorring, Denmark

SCOTLAND...3
MALTA...4

Malta produced a thrilling and dramatic performance to secure a stunning 4-3 victory over Scotland in a match packed with intensity, momentum swings and late drama until the very final seconds.

The game got off to a difficult start for Malta as Scotland took the lead in the 11th minute when Marrwan Telisi unfortunately turned the ball into his own net. However, Malta showed immediate character and resilience, responding just moments later through Nathan Cope, who finished well to restore parity and settle the nerves.

Both sides continued to push forward in an open and entertaining contest. Scotland regained the lead midway through the half when Kai Lawless found the net after sustained pressure, but once again Malta refused to back down. Celino Alves stepped up with an important goal to make it 2-2, ensuring the teams went into the break level after an action-packed first half.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Scotland once again edging ahead. Chris Angus made it 3-2, putting Malta under renewed pressure as the game entered its decisive stages. Despite this setback, Malta continued to show determination and belief, pushing forward in search of another equaliser.

That moment arrived late on when Telisi redeemed himself for his earlier own goal by scoring Malta’s third, bringing the score to 3-3 and setting up a dramatic finale. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Malta found one final moment of brilliance. Maikinho emerged as the hero, scoring a last-gasp winner to seal a memorable comeback and spark celebrations among the Maltese players.

Goalkeeper Marmara also played a crucial role throughout the match, producing several important saves to keep Malta in contention, particularly during periods of sustained Scottish pressure.

This result marks Malta’s first win in the competition, following earlier defeats against Denmark (5-1) and Andorra (5-0), and represents a significant boost in confidence for the team.

Scotland
O’Hanlon, Ritchie, Smith, Angus, Aloulou, Grant, Lawless

Malta
Marmara, Telisi, C. Alves, Gatt, M. Borg, C. Sammut, Cope, Maikinho, Buhagiar

Referees:
Referee: Ayberg Öz (TUR)
Second Referee: Hakan Tezcan (TUR)
Third Referee: George Jansizian (SWE)
Timekeeper: Magnus Tvilling Rasmussen (DEN)

Written by Robert Busuttil