Under 21: Malta register their second win in four days

The under 21 side ended their commitments in the UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifiers with a 3-2 win over Moldova.

Malta ended their commitments in the UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifiers with a 3-2 win over Moldova
Malta ended their commitments in the UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifiers with a 3-2 win over Moldova

Malta started on the attack and had a good opportunity on the 9th minute. Ryan Camenzuli’s cross found Sam Magri who headed slightly over.

On the 25th minute, Jake Grech saw his shot from a free kick being saved by the Moldovan goalkeeper.

Five minutes later, Jurgen Degabriele missed a golden opportunity. The Hibernians forward received the ball in an ideal position, but fired high from close range distance.

Moldova hit back on the 34th minute when Illi Damascan hit a low shot that was deflected into a corner.

Malta managed to go ahead on the 40th minute after Jean Borg fired a stunning shot that ended up behind Radu Mitu.

The Maltese side sored their second goal on the brink of half time. Ryan Camenzuli took charge of a free kick and fired a shot that ended up inside the net.

Moldova reduced the margin of the score on the 52nd minute. Jurgen Borg brought down Dinu Graur inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. From the eleven metres mark, Illi Damscan’s shot was saved by the Maltese goalkeeper; however, Dan Taras took hold of the rebound and slotted the ball inside the net.

On the 65th minute, Moldova equalised through another penalty. This time, Serghei Svinarenco kept his composure and finished past Borg.

Despite a Moldovan comeback, Malta scored the winning goal on the 67th minute when Joseph Mbong hit a fine shot that hit the post before ending up inside the net.

Moldova were close to equalise on the 86th minute. From a corner, Svinarenco found Rebenja whose header hit the post before being cleared off the line by a defender.

Malta starting line-up: Jurgen Borg, Sam Magri, Jean Borg, Daniel Zerafa, Ryan Camenzuli, Jake Grech, Johann Bezzina, Matthew Guillaumier, Joseph Mbong , Jurgen Degabriele, Cain Attard.

Moldova starting line-up: Radu Mitu, Ion Burlacu, Alexandru Staris, Artiom Rozgoniuc, Dan Taras, David Androvic, Dinu Graur, Danu Spataru , Eugenius Rebenja, Radu Rogac, Ilie Damascan.

Referee: Stavros Manolas (Greece)