Under-21 side hosts Romania in International Challenge Trophy

Malta plays the final match from the qualifying round of the International Challenge Trophy as the Under-21 side hosts Romania at the National Stadium this evening, kick-off at 18:30.

The match was due to be played in April but had to be postponed as the Romanian side was unable to travel to Malta due to the volcanic ash problem which hit Europe.

The tournament is reserved for players under the age of 23. However following the Romanian FA’s decision to field the Under-18 side for this match, the MFA will be using this match as a test match for the new players forming part of the Under-21 side ahead of next year’s competitive matches.

The players Under-21 coach Edwin Camilleri has at his disposal are all born 1990 and 1991.

The players forming part of the Malta squad are:
Daniel Balzan (Hibs), Steve Sultana (Nadur); Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Andrew Scicluna (Mqabba), Cleaven Cassar (Pietà), Sheldon Grech (Pietà), Kane Micallef (Melita), Lydon Micallef (Mosta), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Triston Caruana (Hibs), Matthew Gauci (Hibs), David Azzopardi (Rabat), Mauro Grioli (Mqabba), Terence Vella (Birkirkara), Jonathan Scerri (Vittoriosa), Luke Micallef (Melita), Lee Agius (Hamrun).

Malta vs Romania will be controlled by referee Chris Lautier, who will be assisted by assistant referees Alan Camilleri and Joe Camilleri and fourth official Marco Borg.

In the first two matches from the group, the Malta Under-23 side led by Carmel Busuttil, lost 1-3 to Italy Lega Pro at Ta’ Qali and 1-0 to Belgium away from home.