Malta fell to a 4–1 defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in an international friendly on Sunday night at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, despite a determined performance and a spirited second-half reaction.

The evening carried a special emotional weight, as Steve Borg made his 82nd and final appearance for the national team, marking the end of a distinguished international career. Before kick-off, the Malta Football Association honoured both Borg and Frankie Ciantar, the national team’s long-serving kit manager, with commemorative mementos. Ciantar had recently reached 100 matches with the national team during the qualifier against the Netherlands.

Malta began brightly, controlling possession and dictating the early rhythm of the game. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina struck first in the 16th minute when Amar Memić broke through the defence and fired past Henry Bonello.

Malta responded with intent and created a golden chance to equalise in the 36th minute, but Ilyas Chouaref’s header from a Teddy Teuma cross flew wide. Despite their pressure, the hosts went into the break trailing 1–0.

Early in the second half, Bosnia doubled their lead through Haris Tabaković, capitalising on a loose ball in the area. Malta came close shortly after through Irvin Cardona, and their persistence was rewarded on the hour mark when they won a penalty. Paul Mbong converted from the spot to make it 2–1, giving the home crowd a lift.

Malta nearly found an equaliser minutes later, but Cardona’s header failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Pushing forward for a leveller left Malta exposed at the back, and Bosnia took full advantage in the closing minutes: Benjamin Tahirović made it 3–1 in the 84th minute, and substitute Nail Omerović sealed the win with a powerful strike just two minutes later.

Despite the defeat, the night belonged to Steve Borg — a leader, captain, and role model who represented Malta with pride for 14 years. His final bow was met with warm applause and appreciation from supporters, teammates, and staff alike.

Match Statistics

International Friendly Match
📅 12 October 2025
🏟 National Stadium, Ta’ Qali

MALTA…1
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA…4
(HT 0–1)

⏱ Scorers:
16’ Amar Memić (BIH), 53’ Haris Tabaković (BIH), 60’ Paul Mbong (MLT), 84’ Benjamin Tahirović (BIH), 86’ Nail Omerović (BIH)

Line-ups

Malta: Henry Bonello (GK), Ryan Camenzuli (Juan Corbalan 46’), Steve Borg (C) (Kurt Shaw 1’), Matthew Guillaumier (Brandon Paiber 41’), Paul Mbong (Basil Tuma 90’), Ilyas Chouaref, Teddy Teuma, Irvin Cardona, Enrico Pepe, Zach Muscat (Joseph Mbong 90’), Alexander Satariano (Jodi Jones 61’).
Coach: Emilio De Leo

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Martin Zlomislić (GK), Dennis Hadžikadunić, Esmir Bajraktarević (Nail Omerović 71’), Amar Dedić (C) (Benjamin Tahirović 46’), Samed Baždar (Armin Gigović 71’), Ivan Bašić, Ivan Šunjić (Luka Menalo 46’), Amar Memić (Kerim Alajbegović 67’), Adrian Leon Barišić (Nikola Katić 71’), Dzenis Burnić, Haris Tabaković.
Coach: Sergej Barbarez