Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1039277
29 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 OCTOBER 2018 SPORTS NATIONS LEAGUE Coach Ray Farrugia and Andrei Agius answering questions ahead of the match between Azerbaijan and Malta. Photo: Dominic Aquilina / MFA Azerbaijan vs Malta Malta still seeking first victory in Nations League WARREN ZAMMIT MALTA is still looking for first win in Nations League as Ray Farrugia's side faces Azerbaijan today in Baku. This evening, the Maltese players will have a chance to perform better than they did in Kosovo as they will play against Azerbaijan in Baku. However, many are antici- pating another difficult en- counter since Azerbaijan are currently second in the table, two points behind Kosovo. This scenario means that Gurban Gurbanov's men need a must win if they are to over- come Kosovo and win promo- tion to League C. Azerbaijan are still unbeaten in League D group 3 as they shared the spoils with Kosovo and Malta before securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Faroe Islands on Thursday. In fact, they are now seen as the only team that can threaten Kosovo. On the other hand, Malta seem destined for the last place in the group once more. Our national team started their campaign with a 3-1 de- feat against the Faroe Islands, but improved in the second game and drew 1-1 against Azerbaijan a month ago. Such a result filled the Mal- tese with hopes; however, Malta's players were com- pletely dominated by Kosovo on Thursday and fell to an- other 3-1 defeat. Malta played against Azer- baijan on seven previous oc- casions. The first three encounters between these sides were all won by Malta. The first one dates back to the 19 April 1994. On that day Malta won 5-0. Malta's goals were scored by Nicholas Saliba, Kristian Laferla, Alex Busuttil, Joseph Camilleri and Charles Scerri. Six years later, Malta reg- istered a 3-0 win over Azer- baijan on the 6th of February 2000. On that day, Gilbert Agius scored twice, while John Buttigieg scored the oth- er goal. The third match was played on the 17 of April 2002. This time, Malta emerged victori- ous once more as a goal by Michael Mifsud on the 56th minute made all the differ- ence. 11 years passed since Malta and Azerbaijan played against each other again. By this time, Azerbaijan im- proved a lot and managed to record their only two wins against Malta till now. The first defeat to Azerbai- jan dates back to a friendly match that took place on the 14 of August 2013. Azerbaijan won this game 3-0. Nearly two years later, Azerbaijan won 2-0 during a match valid for UEFA Euro- pean Championship that was played on 28 March 2015. Following these defeats, the Maltese players held Azerbai- jan twice at Ta' Qali. The first of these was a 2-2 draw in a European Qualifiers match. Alfred Effiong and Mi- chael Mifsud scored Malta's goals on the day. The latter's goal was quite significant as it was Mifsud's 40th goal for Malta. The last match between Malta and Azerbaijan is quite fresh in our memories as it took place just one month ago. This was Malta's home de- but in the Nations League. Andrei Agius scored from the penalty spot to give Malta an early advantage, but Tamkin Khalilzade equalised for the away side. For today, Ray Farrugia will have to do without Michael Mifsud who will be suspended following his red card against Kosovo. However, Joseph Zerafa will be back as Vallet- ta's defender served his sus- pension against Kosovo. As difficult as it might seem, if Malta's players rise to the occasion, supporters of the national team will have every right to believe that a positive result can be obtained. The match will be played at the Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu, kick-off at 6pm. Fans are anticipating another diff icult encounter since Azerbaijan are currently second in the table, two points behind Kosovo