Agius and Borg back for Malta against Faroe Islands after suspension Final match for Andre Schembri
Malta faces The Faroe Islands this evening in the final League D Group 4 at the Ta' Qali national stadium (kick-off 8.45pm).
It is a match which is crucial for both sides as the two teams are fighting to avoid the bottom place in the Group. The Faroe Islands are third on 4 points, while Malta is two points behind in bottom place.
In the first match in September, the Faroes had defeated Malta 31. But if Malta wins today, it will certainly be a sort of boost for the future of the national team. A win for Malta will condemn the Faroes to bottom place, but a draw or a defeat will leave Farrugia’s boys in bottom place.
The two teams are coming from defeats. Malta suffered a heavy 50 home defeat against Kosovo on Saturday evening, while The Faroe Islands lost 2-0 against Azerbaijan in Baku.
National coach Ray Farrugia said yesterday that the boys were disappointed with the result against Kosovo and were now looking forward to get back on track.
“This is a great chance for us. It is a big game for both of us, but I believe we can achieve victory especially if we avoid committing mistakes as those seen last Saturday.
"The players are now eager to regain the confidence of the fans with a good performance this evening in the hope of winning this important clash,” he said.
Farrugia added that he had worked hard to rebuild the morale of the team after Saturday’s defeat.
Farrugia confirmed that the returning Andrei Agius and Steve Borg will be starting the match, as will players like Juan Corbolan and Joseph Mbong. Only striker Alfred Effiong will be missing, as he is suspended.
Farrugia said he was not yet in a position to announce his starting formation as he had to wait for yesterday evening’s training session. “But I am sure that all the players in the squad are ready to face the Faroe Islands with renewed confidence. I am sure they will be able to rise to the occasion. Their reaction after Saturday’s defeat was fantastic. I know them quite well and they know me. They know how I work and what I want of them,” he said.
Once again he reiterated that he will only be happy with a win. “It has been a long wait to get a 6th competitive victory. Hopefully that will arrive this evening,” he concluded.
Today’s match will also be the last for Andre Schembri with the national team. He announced his retirement last week.
Squad
GOALKEEPERS: Henry Bonello (Valletta); Andrew Hogg (Hibernians); Steve Sultana (Balzan).
DEFENDERS: Andrei Agius (Hibernians); Ferdinando Apap (Victoria Hotspurs); Steve Borg (Valletta); Ryan Camilleri (Valletta); Jonathan Caruana (Valletta); Clayton Failla (Floriana); Joseph Mbong (Hibernians); Zach Muscat (US Pistoiese, Italy); Joseph Zerafa (Valletta).
MIDFIELDERS: Roderick Briffa (Gżira United); Juan Corbalan (Gżira United); Paul Fenech (Birkirkara); Jake Grech (Birkirkara); Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians); Rowen Muscat (Valletta); Dunstan Vella (Hibernians). FORWARDS: Andrew Cohen (Gżira United); Michael Mifsud (Birkirkara); Kyrian Nwoko (Valletta); Andrè Schembri (Apollon Limassol, Cyprus).
"We are here to win" Faroe Islands coach Lars Olsen
Faroe Islands coach Lars Olsen said yesterday that they are here to win today’s match.
He added: "At the beginning of this campaign our main objective was that of finishing on top of the group. Of course we do not have a chance to do so but we are here in Malta to get a win. I was also quite surprised with the 0-5 Malta defeat and the result against Azerbaijan.
“Malta had more possession of the ball and they were doing well in the second half but football is like that.
“On our part, we will have changes - one change at least from the team which started in our last 2-0 defeat in Baku to Azerbaijan.