MBABANE – Sihlangu Semnikati face a rare opportunity to test themselves on European soil against a side that virtually mirrors their own poor standing on the global stage.
The senior national football outfit visit Malta on November 12 for a historic international friendly at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm Eswatini time.
While a trip to Europe brings significant prestige, the fixture pits two struggling football nations against each other. Malta currently occupy position 161 in the latest official FIFA rankings and they are sitting just four places ahead of Eswatini, who languish in 165th spot.
Both sides have fallen significantly from their historic peaks. Eswatini’s highest-ever ranking was 88th, achieved back in 2017, while their lowest point was a dismal 190th. Malta reached a high of 66th in their history, but once plunged as low as 191st.
Affectionately nicknamed Ħomor (‘The Reds’), Malta represent one of UEFA’s smallest member nations. Despite their modest standing, they boast a rich footballing heritage and have provided some of international football’s most extraordinary storylines.
Malta were infamously involved in one of European football’s most controversial matchday outcomes on December 21, 1983. Spain needed to defeat them by an 11-goal margin in Seville to overtake the Netherlands and qualify for Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro 1984. Spain sensationally won 12–1, handing Malta their heaviest defeat in history before going on to reach the tournament final.
Yet, Ħomor have also shown they can ruffle the feathers of global powerhouses. In a Euro 1988 qualifier, Malta held a star-studded Portugal side to a dramatic 2–2 draw in Funchal. Later, during a pre-Euro 2000 friendly, they gave England a massive scare, requiring a late penalty save by goalkeeper Richard Wright to prevent Malta from snatching a draw.
For Sihlangu, this encounter is more than a scenic trip. It offers a realistic, balanced test against European opposition where FIFA ranking points and pride will be fiercely contested.
