Malta’s national football team is preparing for an unusual international friendly this Thursday, as African nation Eswatini arrives on the island for a clash at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali.The match will kick off at 6:30pm on 12th November, with tickets priced at just €10 for the enclosure.Eswatini’s national team arrived in Malta on Tuesday afternoon on a direct flight from Dubai, ahead of what will reportedly be their first match on European soil against a UEFA national team.Despite the geographical distance between the two countries, the teams are relatively close in the FIFA rankings, with Eswatini sitting just four places below Malta.One of Eswatini’s most experienced players is Sabelo Ndzinisa, who has represented his country 78 times and plays for Green Mamba in Eswatini’s Premier League.This isn’t Malta’s first encounter with African opposition. Back in August 2011, Malta defeated the Central African Republic 2-1, thanks to two goals from Maltese football legend Michael Mifsud.For Malta coach Emilio De Leo, Thursday’s friendly offers an opportunity to test his squad before their final UEFA Nations League fixture.Malta will travel to face Gibraltar on Monday, 16th November, at the Victoria Stadium.The national team needs just one more point to secure top spot in its Nations League group, potentially finishing the campaign unbeaten.Thursday’s encounter therefore provides valuable preparation ahead of a potentially decisive match.Will you be heading to Ta’ Qali to support Malta against Eswatini?•