The Japan Times - Malta Squad Named for Nations League Decider Against Gibraltar

Malta national team coach Emilio De Leo has announced a 28-man squad for the upcoming November international commitments, which include a friendly against Eswatini and a decisive UEFA Nations League encounter against Gibraltar.

The Maltese side will host Eswatini at the National Stadium on Thursday, November 12, at 6:30 pm, before traveling to Gibraltar for their final Group D1 fixture at the Europa Point Stadium on Monday, November 16, at 8:45 pm.

Malta currently leads the group with seven points from three matches. Gibraltar sits in second place with two points from two games, while Andorra has one point from three matches.

De Leo’s side is in a strong position to secure top spot following an impressive September-October international window. During that period, Malta registered successive victories over Andorra, winning 2-1 and 1-0, while also holding Gibraltar to a 1-1 draw at home. The national team also recorded a 2-0 friendly victory over Liechtenstein, further underlining the progress made under the Italian coach.

Among the notable inclusions in the squad is Balzan goalkeeper Dylan Ciappara, who has earned his first senior international call-up. Valletta duo Mattias Ellul and Yannick Yankam have also been selected, while experienced Sliema Wanderers midfielder Stephen Pisani returns to the national team set-up following a lengthy absence.

However, De Leo will be without Sliema defender Jean Borg, who is recovering from surgery. Another Sliema player, Alexander Satariano, has been included in the squad but will miss the decisive Nations League encounter against Gibraltar through a one-match suspension.

The friendly against Eswatini will provide De Leo with an opportunity to assess his squad and fine-tune preparations ahead of the crucial trip to Gibraltar. Malta will be looking to build on their recent positive results and complete their Nations League campaign on a high, with promotion from League D firmly in their sights.

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Sliema Wanderers), Rashed Al Tumi (Birkirkara), Dylan Ciappara (Balzan), James Sissons (Chesterfield, England).

Defenders: Zach Muscat (Birkirkara), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans), Kurt Shaw (Hibernians), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk), Mattias Ellul (Valletta), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana), Myles Beerman (Floriana).

Midfielders: Matthew Guillaumier (Ħamrun Spartans), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta), Alexander Satariano (Sliema Wanderers), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta), Teddy Teuma (Sliema Wanderers), Stephen Pisani (Sliema Wanderers), Yannick Yankam (Valletta).

Forwards: Joseph E. Mbong (Hibernians), Paul Mbong (Floriana), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion, Switzerland), Irvin Cardona (Saint-Étienne, France), Basil Tuma (Aldershot Town, England), Kevin Cannavò (Spezia, Italy), Keyon Ewurum (Valletta), Andrea Zammit (Valletta).

Y.Kimura--JT