Second draw for Under-17 side against Albania

The Malta Under-17 side came back from two goals down to hold Albania in a 2-2 draw in a friendly match at the Hibernians Stadium on Thursday. In a first encounter between the two teams on Tuesday, Malta and Albania shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

The visitors managed to take the lead thanks to a goal by Mikelanxhelo Bardhi on 18 minutes. Early in the second half, Albania doubled the score through Franc Ymeraliaj.

Mid-way through the second half, Ryan Spiteri pulled one back for Malta direct from a corner. In the final stages, Malta was awarded a penalty after Luke Montebello was brought down inside the area by goalkeeper Fabio Gjonikaj. From the penalty spot, Montebello made no mistake to level matters.

Photo: Copyright © www.stephengatt.com

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MALTA Jean Claude Debattista, Miguel Attard, Matthew Bonello, Bernard Borg, Gabriel Aquilina, Kyle Cesare, Llywelyn Cremona, Justin Pisani, Ryan Spiteri, Godwin Mackay, Luke Montebello.
Subs: Clyde Cumbo, Kurt Zammit, Matthew Degiorgio, Matthew Thorne.
ALBANIA Fabio Gjonikaj, Amri Jonuzi, Kristi Marku, Donald Bejko, Erjon Hoxhallari, Mikelanxhelo Bardhi, Jurgen Vatnikaj, Adrian Dervishi, Franc Ymeraliaj, Aleksandro Cakalli, Astrit Bonajku.
Referee: Andre Arciola