Football: Eswatini hold Malta to 1-1 draw
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini drew 1-1 with Malta on 12 November 2026, with Philani Mkhonto scoring in first-half stoppage time. The friendly in Ta’ Qali marked Eswatini’s first appearance in Europe, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Eswatini drew 1-1 with Malta on Thursday 12 November 2026 at the Ta' Qali National Stadium, Malta, in a friendly. Reduced to 10 men after Gift Gamedze was sent off in the 29th minute, the Sihlangu took the lead just before half-time through Philani Mkhonto, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Malta equalised through Basil in the 47th minute but were unable to take the lead thereafter. Eswatini were playing their first match on European soil, while Malta were preparing for their UEFA Nations League match against Gibraltar scheduled for 16 November, the Times of Eswatini reports.
Malta top Group D1 of the Nations League with seven points from three matches, ahead of Gibraltar with two points from two matches and Andorra with one point from three matches. For Eswatini, the European tour is intended in particular to give players exposure and seek new opportunities, according to the Times of Eswatini.
The match had been announced on 23 October, when Eswatini were due to face Malta on 12 November. The Sihlangu are then due to face the Netherlands on 15 November.
