Stoppage time goal sinks Malta

A goal deep in stoppage time handed Luxembourg a narrow win over Malta in a friendly match at the National Stadium on Thursday.

This was therefore the second defeat in as many matches for coach Tom Saintfiet since he took over as Malta coach last October.

Saintfiet opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation with Andrei Agius employed as holding midfielder. Valletta’s Jean Borg was handed his debut.

The visitors made their intentions clear right from the start with David Turpel testing Hogg after just two minutes and then a Gerson Rodrigues effort was neutralised by the Malta goalkeeper.

Malta replied with a conclusion by Andre Schembri, served by Luke Gambin who took advantage of an erratic clearance by the goalkeeper, which was deflected into a corner on the 25th minute.

A fine effort from outside the area by Laurent Jans was turned into a corner in style by Hogg on the 73rd minute.

The game seemed heading for a draw but Luxembourg had other thoughts as in added time when Hogg saved partially a header and off the rebound, substitute Daniel Da Mota placed the ball at the back of the net.

MALTA Andrew Hogg, Steve Borg, Andrei Agius, Steve Pisani, Paul Fenech (85′ Myles Beerman), Andrè Schembri (72′ Jean Paul Farrugia), Rowen Muscat (64′ Joseph Zerafa), Zach Muscat (90′ Ryan Camilleri), Jean Borg, Luke Gambin (76′ Michael Mifsud), Cain Attard.

Coach: Tom Saintfiet

LUXEMBOURG Ralph Schon, Enes Mahmutovic (46′ Kevin Malget), Chris Philipps, Lars Gerson, Christopher Martins, Vincent Thill, Gerson Rodrigues (65′ Daniel Da Mota), Dirk Carlson (76′ Mathias Janisch), Leonardo Barreiro (76′ Danel Sinani), Laurent Jans, David Turpel (65′ Maurice Deville)

Coach: Luc Holtz

Referee: Jorgji Enea (ALB)
Assistant Referees: Ermal Barushi, Rejdi Avdo (ALB)
Fourth Official: Clayton Pisani
Yellow Cards: J. Borg, J. P. Farrugia (M), K. Malget, C. Philipps (L)
Attendance: c. 2000

One comment

  1. Loghba dizappuntanti ghall ahhar kontra tim li suppost huwa ta livell simili ghal taghna. Stennejt hafna ahjar, specjalment wara l-hafna daqq ta’ trombi tal-kowc li ser nilaghbu loghob iktar offensiv etc. Vera forsi draw kien ikun aktar gust, imma l-Lussemburgu urew l ahjar ideat u dawru l-ballun ahjar minna.

    Jekk mhux ser nirrangaw in-Nations League disfatta ha tkun.

    Forza Malta

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