Football fans across the world — including here in Kenya — were treated to a thrilling FIFA World Cup Qualifier as Poland battled past a spirited Malta side to secure a crucial 3–2 win. The Ta’ Qali National Stadium witnessed late drama, unexpected twists, and top-class individual performances that kept fans glued to their screens until the final whistle.
This match was not just another routine European qualifier. It was a story of resilience, surprise attacks, defensive lapses, and late redemption — the kind of football feast that Kenyan fans, known for their passion for the global game, truly appreciate.
Early Polish Dominance
Poland wasted no time announcing their intentions. Just three minutes in, Bartosz Slisz forced Henry Bonello into action, signaling a storm to come. Nicola Zalewski also came inches close twice, peppering the Maltese defense.
The inevitable breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark when Robert Lewandowski — the ever-reliable captain — steered home a precise Piotr Zieliński free-kick. It was vintage Lewa: intelligent movement, perfect timing, and a clinical finish.
Malta’s Shock Response
At this point, Kenyan fans on late-night viewing duty must have assumed another comfortable Polish win. But Malta had other plans.
Ilyas Chouaref carved open the visiting defense with some brilliant work before setting up Joseph Mbong. Bartłomiej Drągowski saved the first effort, but Irvin Cardona pounced on the rebound to equalize — Malta’s first goal against Poland in six head-to-head meetings.
Drągowski had to stay sharp moments later as the Maltese attackers, sensing Polish vulnerability, pushed for an improbable lead.
Second Half: Momentum Swings and Penalty Drama
Poland attempted to reclaim control after the break. Lewandowski nearly scored with a cheeky chip, and Jakub Kamiński curled just wide.
Their pressure paid off before the hour mark when Lewandowski turned creator, setting up Paweł Wszołek for his first international goal in ten years — a feel-good moment for the veteran winger.
Soon after, Michał Skóraś looked to have set up Karol Świderski for Poland’s third, but VAR intervened. Instead of celebrating, Poland found themselves punished as Malta earned a penalty from the same sequence. Teddy Teuma calmly slotted home, sending Drągowski the wrong way and levelling the score again.
The stadium erupted. Malta smelled history.
Late Polish Heartbreak for Malta
Malta nearly won it when Adam Magri Overend broke through, only for Drągowski to make a crucial one-on-one save.
In the dying minutes, however, Poland snatched victory. Zieliński’s strike took a heavy deflection and wrong-footed Bonello, sealing a dramatic 3–2 win and guaranteeing Poland a place in the World Cup play-offs.
For Malta, the loss was heartbreaking — denying them the chance to record back-to-back competitive wins for only the second time in five years.
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Conclusion
Poland’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Malta was a reminder that football’s beauty lies in its unpredictability. From early dominance to late scares and a last-minute winner, this match had everything. As Poland marches into the World Cup play-offs, Malta walks away with pride — and Kenya’s football fans walk away with a game to remember.
